True education is about awareness, not knowledge

“The capital-T Truth is about life before death. It is about the real value of a real education, which has almost nothing to do with knowledge, and everything to do with simple awareness; awareness of what is so real and essential, so hidden in plain sight all around us.”
David Foster Wallace, Kenyon College commencement speech, May 21, 2005

Posted by Rolf Potts | Comments (3)  | February 28, 2011
Category: Travel Quote of the Day


3 Responses to “True education is about awareness, not knowledge”

  1. GypsyGirl Says:
    February 28th, 2011 at 2:14 am

    “This is water.”

  2. Epiphanie Says:
    March 1st, 2011 at 12:55 am

    The conceptual tools to keep your mind open are probably the most important things to pick up

  3. GailNHB Says:
    March 1st, 2011 at 11:49 am

    Thank you for posting this quote. As a homeschooling mother of two teenagers, I often worry about what my children are and are not learning, what I am and am not teaching. And this quote helps so much – their education, and mine, is much more about awareness and being alert and open, than it is about dates in history or math formulae.

    Thanks also for your inspiring writing and photos about travel. I recently purchased two products from Scottevest after having seen your No Luggage Challenge. I used the travel vest in Spain two weeks ago and LOVED the comfort and security and ease of having everything close at hand, safe, and available at all times.

    Traveling mercies to you.
    And peace –
    Gail