Writer Rodger Dean Duncan wrote an article entitled
"What's the Mark of an Educated Person?" for a national
magazine. As part of his research for the article, he asked
several prominent people this question. Their replies may provide
you with some food for thought:
"You aren't really educated unless you can honestly
evaluate opinions contrary to your own. To do that you must give the
other idea a fair trial. We often say we've changed our minds when
we've merely rearranged our prejudices." - Norman Rockwell
"An educated person has a sense of time, of sequence and simultaneity
of events; a sense of place, where he is in relation to the rest of
the world." - Margaret Mead
"An educated person thinks with precision, reads with understanding,
and writes and speaks with clarity. He recognizes and appreciates
beauty. He has the perspective that comes from a breadth of knowledge
and understanding, and the self-discipline to apply himself or herself
to do well in the work of the world. Finally, an educated person is
guided by an ethic, philosophy, or religious belief that gives direction
and meaning and a sense of inner peace to life." - Dallin Oaks
"There are decencies and proprieties. The educated person may
not be that concerned about proprieties - whether he scratches in
public or whether he wears old clothes. He is distinguished by his
treatment of all others as human beings, whether they are above him
or below him in ability or stature." - Joyce Brothers
"Maturing wisdom implies less dogmatism in all
matters except moral considerations. Educated people become more and
more convinced in their moral judgments that the old-fashioned yardsticks
of right and wrong are not elastic."
- Paul Harvey