Education And The Training Of Character by Sir Richard

Education And The Training Of Character by Sir Richard

Sir Richard Wlnn Livmgslone (1880-1960) was a British classical scholar. Educationisi and university administrator who championed lhe classical liberal aria curriculum. From 1924 to 1933. He worked as Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s Univel’SW Bellast, Northern ireland. He was knighted In 1931 for his tremendous efforla for Queen's University. From 1933 till he end of his career in 1950. He served Oxford UnlversW from 1944-1947 as Vice-Chancellor. Sir Richard Livingstone retired from academic life In 1950 and remained busy for the rest of his Me in writing and lecturing. He vigorously defended the value of a liberal as education, With particular emphasis on the classics. He is an author of numerous books on the classical Greek period.

Generally, by education people think the knoviledge that enables them to eém their livelihood m an honourable way. In Sir Richard Livingstone's views. education is an alt-embracmg term. Real education is the enlightenment of the individual. It has three provmces: vocational education; social education; and moral education. Vocational education trains an indiwdual for a job. Social educaiton makes him an effective member of society. Moral education, above all, gives him a vision to distinguish between good and bad. All these types contribute towards the education of man.

What Is moral spiritual education?

Moral or spiritual education is the most importanttype of education. It enables man to live wel. It is achially the education of personality. It is the education of body, mind and character to the highest degree of which each individual is capable of (Jr). This is why the writer cells it 'spiiitual eduaction. Spiritual education sets the standard of great aims before the pupils. It gives direction to the community introducing the sense of values and by giving the idea what is hrst-rate in life. Natural sciences like biology. physics, chemistry. or computer science provide faculities to a community. Social sciences like economics commerce. psychology or sociology give a training in citizenship. But it is the education of the soul that gives vision to the community. The quality of the civilization depends on this type of education.

The communities which ignore this aspect tum barbarian and are soon wiped away. So, for the survival of a community. spiritual training of its individual is necessary.

What Is habitual vision of greatness' and how does It help in developing our character?

In support spiritual education. Sir Richard Livtngstone has given a quotation from Professor Whitehead:

‘Moral education is impossible without the habitual vision of greatness.“

By Vision of greatness Sir Richard Livingstone means lolly  ideal and high aims. He is of the view that the pupils must have in their minds the great masters. They should try to follow their examples. This habitual vision of greatness is necessary not only to moral education. but also to all education. This vision actually helps us in setting up sublime ideals before us. We should look at the performance of the great men and try to follow them. If someone wants to become a master surgeon, he must learn the that techniques of surgery. Similarly. a good teacher must know himself what is great and first-rate. Only then, he can help his students see this. When his students see what is great, they try to give the impressive performance of the same degree. This Vision alone stimulates the learner to achieve his goals.