Men grow old

Abstract

Purpose

This sermon argues that artistry and understanding are the offspring of whole people: thoughtful, resolute, and passionate. It then considers some illiberal fashions in higher education that stifle passion.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an opinion piece.

Findings

Current threats to liberal education include metaphors demeaning to professors, incomprehensible or inconsequential learning objectives, and schemes that increase “intentionality” by limiting students' opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Originality/value

This sermon makes vivid to educational leaders and would-be reformers some of the negative consequences of their actions and proposals.

Citation

Pollard, S. (2014), "Men grow old", On the Horizon, Vol. 22 No. 1, pp. 75-79. https://doi.org/10.1108/OTH-09-2013-0037