Kurt Hahn was a German educator and social entrepreneur who founded the Outward Bound movement in the United Kingdom and Germany. He is best known for his philosophy of education, which emphasized the development of character, service to others, and the promotion of international understanding. His educational ideas have been influential in the development of experiential education, adventure therapy, and wilderness education. Following is our collection on famous quotes by Kurt Hahn on education, leadership, government.
There is more to us than we know. If we can be made to see it, perhaps for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to settle for less. — Kurt Hahn
I regard it as the foremost task of education to insure the survival of these qualities: an enterprising curiosity, an undefeatable spirit, tenacity in pursuit, readiness for sensible self denial, and above all, compassion — Kurt Hahn
There exists within everyone a grand passion, an outlandish thirst for adventure, a desire to live boldly and vividly through the journey of life. — Kurt Hahn
There are three ways of trying to win the young. There is persuasion, there is compulsion, and there is attraction. You can preach at them: that is a hook without a worm. You can say, You must volunteer, and that is of the devil. You can tell them, You are needed. That appeal hardly ever fails. — Kurt Hahn
We are all better than we know. If only we can be brought to realise this, we may never be prepared to settle for anything less — Kurt Hahn
Education must enable young people to effect what they have recognized to be right, despite hardships, despite dangers, despite inner skepticism, despite boredom, and despite mockery from the world. . . . — Kurt Hahn
Think highly of yourself because the world takes you at your own estimate. — Kurt Hahn
The experience of helping a fellow man in danger, or even of training in a realistic manner to be ready to give this help, tends to change the balance of power in a youth's inner life with the result that compassion can become the master motive. — Kurt Hahn
The passion of rescue reveals the highest dynamic of the human soul. — Kurt Hahn
The worth of a faith does not consist in the clarity with which it is stated but in the steadfastness with which it is defended. — Kurt Hahn
Expeditions can greatly contribute towards building strength of character. Joseph Conrad in Lord Jim tells us that it is necessary for a youth to experience events which 'reveal the inner worth of the man; the edge of his temper; the fibre of his stuff; the quality of his resistance; the secret truth of his pretences, not only to himself but others. — Kurt Hahn
Without the instinct for adventure, any civilization, however enlightened; any state, however well-ordered, will wilt and wither. — Kurt Hahn
It is a sin of the soul to force young people into opinions ... but it is culpable neglect not to impel young people into experiences. — Kurt Hahn
Whenever you have to deal with a boy who is a rebel, remember that you must not fail at some time or other to get him to face the question, Are you going to be a fighter or a quarreller? — Kurt Hahn
Your disability is your opportunity. — Kurt Hahn
There is more in you than you think. — Kurt Hahn
Life Lessons by Kurt Hahn
Kurt Hahn believed in the power of education to create social change, stressing the importance of developing students' physical, moral, and intellectual capabilities.
He was an advocate of experiential learning, encouraging students to take risks and to strive for excellence.
He also believed in the importance of service to others, inspiring students to become active citizens in their communities.
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