William Torrey Harris Quotes

#1. Nothing reveals character more than self-sacrifice. So the highest knowledge we have of God is through the gift of His Son.

William Torrey Harris

#2. Education is the preparation of the individual for reciprocal union with society; the preparation of the individual so that he can help his fellow-men and in return receive and appreciate their help.

William Torrey Harris

#3. Ninety-nine [students] out of a hundred are automata, careful to walk in prescribed paths, careful to follow the prescribed custom. This is not an accident but the result of substantial education, which, scientifically defined, is the subsumption of the individual.

William Torrey Harris

#4. Our schools have been scientifically designed to prevent over-education from happening. The average American [should be] content with their humble role in life, because they're not tempted to think about any other role.

William Torrey Harris

#5. The great purpose of school can be realized better in dark, airless, ugly places ... It is to master the physical self, to transcend the beauty of nature. School should develop the power to withdraw from the external world.

William Torrey Harris