Book Review
The Idea of a University was written by British writer John Henry Neman, who was also a theologian, educationalist living in the 19thcentury’s England. In his book, Newman clarified the conception, purpose and the essence of university. simultaneously, he also talked about the knowledge a university should impart from different perspectives.
In his book, Newman pointed out the conception of university according to etymology, which is a specific place used to teach universal knowledge. In his discourses, to begin with, He asserted that a university was supposed to impart knowledge in an equal and integrated way, and the prior, chef object of a university should be, on the one hand, intellectual but moral, on the other hand, that it is the diffusion and extension of knowledge rather than the advancement. Besides, Newman talked about different subjects and the relation among them. As a theologian at 19thcentury, Newman rationally and wisely came to the conclusion that a university was a school of Philosophy and Letters and the subject of religion should be treated simply as a branch of knowledge. Furthermore, Newman especially accented the importance of universal knowledge. As Newman said, there is a real necessity for this universal teaching in the highest schools of intellect.
From my own perspective, in this book, which reams me think most deeply is the idea of universal knowledge. Newman narrated that when a group of people taking up different kinds of occupations hold the same object of learning universal knowledge, what they might sacrifice could be ambition, reputation, leisure, comfort, fortune, but the only thing they cannot sacrifice is knowledge itself. It occurs to me that when myself learn in the university, I am also confronted with similar condition. For instance, everyone is supposed to take general course in university. However, the knowledge the general courses teach sometimes may have nothing to do with the curriculum we major in. In other words, the universal knowledge may be unable to promote our interests or even appear to be useless but time-consuming. In this case, some students might fail to take the general course and universal knowledge seriously. Take myself for example, sometimes I will do my homework assigned by specialized course during general course class time. After reading Newman’s work, I realized the importance of universal knowledge and gradually understand the value of general course. Thus, I will attach importance to universal knowledge in future. This is a typical inspiration the book has brought me.
Due to the feature of times, the limitation of methodology and the religion belief of Newman, certain parts of Newman’s thought might be obsolete or even wrong. However, his narration has exerted tremendous and profound influence on the higher education and still keeps enlightening educators today. Over time, the role of the university has been changing, yet Newman’s thought keeps us that what a university . A university is a place of instruction, where universal knowledge is professed. It should cherish talent, genius and knowledge for the sake of students, with the objects to fill their respective posts in life better, and of making them more intelligent, capable, active members of society.
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