Chapter 25—Education and Character

True education does not ignore the value of scientific knowledge or literary acquirements, but above information it values power; above power, goodness; above intellectual acquirements, character. The world does not so much need men and women of great intellect as of noble character. It needs people in whom ability is controlled by steadfast principle.TEd 136.1

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.” “The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly.” Proverbs 4:7; 15:2. True education imparts this wisdom. It teaches the best use not merely of one but of all our powers and acquirements. Thus it covers the whole circle of obligation—to ourselves, to the world, and to God.TEd 136.2

Character building is the most important work ever entrusted to human beings, and never was its diligent study so important as now. Never was any previous generation called to meet issues so momentous. Never were young men and women confronted by perils so great as confront them today.TEd 136.3

At this critical time, what is the trend of the education given? What motive is appealed to most often? Self-seeking. Much of today’s education is a perversion of the name. True education provides a counter influence to the selfish ambition, greed for power, and disregard for the rights and needs of humanity that are the curse of our world.TEd 136.4