| Animals do not
have such longings. The attainment of knowledge and understanding, and the ability
to think clearly, objectively, and fairly is one of the most precious human attributes.
But the process is not easy. Great effort and perseverance are absolutely indispensable
for the attainment of such capacity. Throughout his
life, the hard-working Jefferson was to preach " a crusade against ignorance. "
In his mind there could be no surer foundation than education for the preservation of true
justice, and the people’s freedom and happiness. The quest of education is
knowledge, humility, wisdom and courage, but let it is noted too that knowledge is not
given but earned and character is not granted but cultivated.
The third point is a corollary of the second and is the
most significant of all- namely, education for contribution, for the service of
one’s community, one’s country, and even for the entire world. The ultimate goal
of education is the discovery of the meaning of life and the fulfillment of life for
all mankind's as well as for oneself. The supreme end of education is to promote peace on
earth and good will to man. |
