Socrates: Paid Education Worse than Free
on Sunday, March 15, 2015Socrates Money Quotation saying that buying an education brings no value more than being entirely without that type of learning. Socrates said:
“An education obtained with money is worse than no education at all” — Socrates
In this quote, Socrates is expressing skepticism about the value of an education that is purchased rather than earned on merit. He seems to be suggesting that simply paying for schooling does not guarantee true learning and wisdom will result.
Socrates implies that an education should cultivate the mind and develop character, not just be a transactional service one pays for. His view appears to be that an education obtained solely or primarily through financial means may fail to instill principles or enlighten the soul in a meaningful way.
Socrates argues such an education is worse than no schooling at all, as it provides a hollow credential without intellectual or moral betterment. Overall, he stresses the importance of merit-based learning that enriches the individual.
Birthday: c. 470 – Death: 399 BC