This quote emphasizes the fundamental belief that education, specifically literary education, should not be viewed as an end in itself, but rather as a means to an end – that of character development. It suggests that the true value of education lies not just in the accumulation of knowledge about literature or any other subject matter, but more importantly, in its capacity to mold individuals into morally upright and responsible members of society.
The “sound character” mentioned here refers to a person’s moral and ethical qualities such as honesty, integrity, courage, kindness among others. It implies that if our literary education is not helping us develop these virtues then it is fundamentally lacking or incomplete.
In today’s world where emphasis is often placed on technical skills and practical knowledge for career advancement and economic success, this quote serves as a reminder about the broader purpose of education. It prompts us to ask: Are our schools merely factories for producing workers with specific skill sets? Or should they also be nurturing grounds for well-rounded individuals with strong moral compasses?
In terms of personal development too, this idea has significant applications. For instance when we read literature (novels/ poetry/ plays), instead of just focusing on understanding plotlines or characters or language usage etc., we could also reflect on what values or life lessons these works are trying to convey and how those can be incorporated into our own lives.
Overall it underscores the importance of holistic learning – one which combines intellectual growth with moral advancement.