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Quote by Charles Babbage

“A young man passes from our public schools to the universities, ignorant almost of the elements of every branch of useful knowledge.”

Book:Science and Reform: Selected Works of Charles Babbage

Work

Science and Reform: Selected Works of Charles Babbage

This book includes a selection of Charles Babbage's works, showcasing his contributions to science and his advocacy for societal reforms. more

Author

Charles Babbage

Charles Babbage, born on December 26, 1791 and died on October 18, 1871, was a renowned British mathematician, inventor, and engineer, often referred to as the 'father of computers'. He made significant contributions in the fields of mathematics, astronomy, and mechanical engineering, and his designs of the Difference Engine and the Analytical Engine laid the foundation for the development of computer science. more

“Finally, in regard to those who possess the largest shares in the stock of worldly goods, could there, in your opinion, be any police so vigilant and effetive, for the protections of all the rights of person, property and character, as such a sound and comprehensive education and training, as our system of Common Schools could be made to impart; and would not the payment of a sufficient tax to make such education and training universal, be the cheapest means of self-protection and insurance?”

Source: The Massachusetts System of Common Schools: Being an Enlarged and Rev. Ed of the Tenth Annual Report of the First Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education

“First of all a natural talent is required; for when Nature opposes, everything else is in vain; but when Nature leads the way to what is most excellent, instruction in the art takes place.”

Way Firsts Art Science Natural Education Talent Vain Excellent Instruction Natural Talent

Book:The Law

Source: The Law

“I am giving this winter two courses of lectures to three students, of which one is only moderately prepared, the other less than moderately, and the third lacks both preparation and ability. Such are the onera of a mathematical profession.”

Giving Two Science Three Courses Ability Education Students Thirds Prepared Winter Profession Mathematical Preparation Lectures

Author:Carl Friedrich Gauss

“I have a true aversion to teaching. The perennial business of a professor of mathematics is only to teach the ABC of his science; most of the few pupils who go a step further, and usually to keep the metaphor, remain in the process of gathering information, become only Halbwisser [one who has superficial knowledge of the subject], for the rarer talents do not want to have themselves educated by lecture courses, but train themselves. And with this thankless work the professor loses his precious time.”