"Harvard is first and foremost a university and not a consulting operation, and our job here is to teach and to research and to create knowledge on Asia in conjunction and in cooperation with scholars as well as with political, intellectual, and cultural leaders in Asia"

In this quote, William Kirby highlights the main mission and obligations of Harvard University, especially in the context of its engagements with Asia. He plainly marks the function of the university as basically instructional and research-focused, rather than a commercial or advisory body. By mentioning "Harvard is very first and foremost a university and not a consulting operation," Kirby is reaffirming the organization's commitment to its core academic values-- education, research, and understanding creation-- over any business endeavors that might look like consultancy.

His assertion conveys that the university's activities are guided by the pursuit of intellectual growth and scholarship rather than by market-driven goals. This distinction highlights the importance of maintaining scholastic integrity and self-reliance, which are foundations of college organizations. The emphasis on mentor and research study recommends that Harvard's engagement with Asia is mostly through instructional exchanges, scholastic research studies, and collaborative research tasks instead of financial or advisory services.

Furthermore, Kirby highlights the need of collaboration, stating Harvard's obligation to work "in combination and in cooperation with scholars as well as with political, intellectual, and cultural leaders in Asia." This approach promotes a two-way exchange of understanding and concepts, enhancing both parties involved. It reflects a regard for regional competence and viewpoints, and an awareness of the complex dynamics and special cultural contexts within Asia.

By teaming up with diverse leaders and thinkers across Asia, Harvard can add to a more nuanced understanding of the area while boosting its own scholastic pursuits. This point of view embodies a dedication to significant and mutually advantageous collaborations, which are necessary in a progressively interconnected world. Kirby's statement eventually encapsulates a vision of worldwide engagement that remains real to the university's objective of advancing understanding and understanding.