"The paradox of education is precisely this; that as one begins to become conscious one begins to examine the society in which he is being educated"
- James Baldwin
About this Quote
This quote by James Baldwin talks to the idea that education can be both a true blessing and a curse. On one hand, education can assist us to become more conscious and aware of the world around us. On the other hand, it can likewise lead us to question and challenge the society in which we live. This paradox of education is that it can both empower us to believe critically and challenge the status quo, while at the very same time, it can likewise lead us to comply with the norms and worths of the society in which we live. In this method, education can be both a tool for freedom and a tool for oppression. Ultimately, it depends on us to decide how we utilize our education and how we utilize it to shape our society.
"Having soon discovered to be great, I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society, and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting and prayer"
"Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future"
