Little Learning is a Dangerous Thing: Six Hundred Wise and Witty Observations for Students...

This book is a collection of comments about education and the commentators cover the complete spectrum of attitudes regarding the role and purpose of education. Presidents, dictators, playwrights, actors, authors, royalty, scientists, musicians, athletes, and people famous for doing other things are all represented. Therefore, the opinions expressed about education are from the positive to the, "it's a waste of time." If you believe in the value of education, some will make you sad, others will make you proud, a few will make you laugh and others will simply make you shake your head. Independent of the point that the commentator was trying to make, I found the comments interesting to read. They demonstrate how differing the viewpoints are concerning the value of education. Many of us who make their living by teaching assume that all people value it as much as we do. That is not the case, and we can all become better at what we do if we stop for a moment and consider the opinions of those who consider education a handicap rather than an advantage. Published in the recreational mathematics e-mail newsletter, reprinted with permission.

I'm usually non-plussed by 'quotations' books, but this tiny charmer has thematic sections containing quotes from the very funny to (more often) the very profound. This is a fantastic, fun book for anyone who's ever LOVED school and or has ever HATED school; and perhaps its doubly perfect for anyone who has swung both ways. Gem like quotes are available by the handful. Many times, conflicting quotes are purposefully juxtaposed; adding wit to the wit.If you have a child in school, just out of school, 10 years out of school; if you went to school, or just as much if you DIDN'T go to school; this is a GREAT little book to give or to have. -- Ian