“Other desires perish in their gratification, but the desire of knowledge never.” Contrasting intellectual curiosity with appetites exhausted by satisfaction · Introductory Lecture, University College London, 1892 Desire Knowledge Learning
“The comparative unpopularity of such learning renders it no less worthy of pursuit.” Defending specialised knowledge regardless of its popularity · Introductory Lecture, University College London, 1892 Independence Knowledge Learning
“We shall need to invent no pretexts for studying this subject or that.” Rejecting the demand that every intellectual pursuit justify itself practically · Introductory Lecture, University College London, 1892 Freedom Knowledge Learning
“As a prudent man puts money by to serve as a provision for the material wants of his old age, so too he needs to lay up against the end of his days provision for the intellect.” Presenting lifelong learning as preparation for the intellectual needs of old age · Introductory Lecture, University College London, 1892 Age Learning Mind
“The pleasure of learning and knowing, though not the keenest, is yet the least perishable of pleasures.” Celebrating learning as a pleasure unusually resistant to age and circumstance · Introductory Lecture, University College London, 1892 Age Happiness Learning
“Knowledge resembles virtue in this, that it is not merely a means of procuring good, but is good in itself simply.” Defending knowledge as intrinsically rather than merely instrumentally valuable · Introductory Lecture, University College London, 1892 Knowledge Learning Morality
“No amount of classical learning can create a true appreciation of literature in those who lack the organs of appreciation.” Arguing that scholarship alone cannot manufacture literary sensitivity · Introductory Lecture, University College London, 1892 Instinct Learning Literature
“The true aim of Science is something other than utility.” Rejecting the idea that knowledge is justified only by practical usefulness · Introductory Lecture, University College London, 1892 Knowledge Learning Science
“Everyone has his favourite study, and he is therefore disposed to lay down, as the aim of learning in general, the aim which his favourite study seems specially fitted to achieve.” Observing how personal preferences can distort theories of education · Introductory Lecture, University College London, 1892 Education Learning Understanding
“Every exercise of our faculties, says Aristotle, has some good for its aim.” Opening his argument by connecting learning with the pursuit of human good · Introductory Lecture, University College London, 1892 Knowledge Learning Life
“If a certain department of knowledge specially attracts a man, let him study that, and study it because it attracts him.” Encouraging intellectual curiosity rather than externally imposed usefulness · Introductory Lecture, University College London, 1892 Choice Individuality Learning
“Let a man acquire knowledge not because it is useful or ornamental, but because it is knowledge, and therefore good for man to acquire.” Defending study for its intrinsic rather than instrumental value · Introductory Lecture, University College London, 1892 Education Knowledge Learning
“The acquisition of knowledge needs no such justification: its true sanction is a much simpler affair, and inherent in itself.” Defending learning as valuable independently of practical usefulness · Introductory Lecture, University College London, 1892 Education Knowledge Learning
