This quote posits that higher education's true purpose extends beyond vocational training to cultivating responsible members of society. It suggests that universities should foster critical thinking, ethical values, and civic engagement, preparing students to contribute positively to their communities beyond just their careers.
Quote by W.E.B. Du Bois: “The function of the university is not simply to teach bread‑winning, but to make good citizens.”
The function of the university is not simply to teach bread‑winning, but to make good citizens.
Insight
Historical Context
Du Bois often critiqued the purely vocational approach to Black education advocated by some, arguing for a liberal arts education that would produce leaders and thinkers capable of challenging injustice and uplifting their race.
About the Author
American sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, Pan-Africanist, author, and editor. He was a co-founder of the NAACP in 1909 and a leader of the Niagara Movement. His influential works include "The Souls of Black Folk," advocating for racial equality and justice.
View all quotes by W.E.B. Du Bois