Ivan Illich
Born: 09-03-1926
Ivan Illich was an Austrian philosopher, Roman Catholic priest, and social critic, renowned for his pioneering critiques of modern Western institutions. Born in 1926, Illich examined the implications of industrial society on individuals and communities, advocating for more sustainable and equitable ways of living. His influential works, such as "Deschooling Society," challenged conventional education systems and sparked debates on technology, health, and ecology, leaving a lasting impact on critical theory and alternative education movements.
Book summaries for books written by Ivan Illich
Quotes
Most learning is not the result of instruction. It is rather the result of unhampered participation in a meaningful setting.
Schools are designed on the assumption that there is a secret to everything in life; that the quality of life depends on knowing that secret; that secrets can be known only in orderly successions; and that only teachers can properly reveal these secrets.
Universal education through schooling is not feasible. It would be no more feasible if it were attempted by means of alternative institutions built on the style of present schools.
Society can be destroyed by the education system; as well as, it can be destroyed without it.
School prepares people for the alienating institutionalization of life by teaching the necessity of being taught.
The public has been educated to believe that schooling is synonymous with education.
Most of the time spent by a child at school is wasted because neither the teachers nor the students are in control of the school day.
The commodification of education has turned it into just another product to be consumed.
The current system of education promotes dependency and conformity, rather than critical thinking and individuality.
True learning happens when individuals are free to pursue their own interests and passions.
Education should be about empowering individuals to think for themselves, rather than merely acquiring knowledge.
The purpose of education should be to cultivate curiosity and a love for learning, not to meet external standards and benchmarks.