False Quotes

Our Sunday message had many good points this week. (The beauty of preaching straight from Scripture.  God's word is full, you never have to search for 'meaning'.)  I was particularly struck by one of the first things I heard.  Pastor Will spoke about the falsehood of 'sticks and stones my break your bones, but words will never hurt you.'  This is clearly an anti-Biblical statement.  Scripture is clear that the tongue has the power of life and death.  Words can be excruciating when used wrongly.  Words are some of the most powerful tools we posses.  The quote 'the pen is mightier than the sword' is definitely the better quote in this regard.

This reminded me of a couple of other ideas/quotes that I would like to address.

'Those who can, do; those who can't, teach.'  This is a direct misquote of Plato and a failure to understand what it means to teach.  Now, many of our modern day teachers may not be 'the best,' but that does not excuse ones failure to understand one of the greatest philosophers of all time.  The correct quote, which in my opinion should be taught and reinforced to every future teacher, is 'those who can, do; those who understand, teach.'  Einstein also spoke of being able to explain something simply as the mark of true understanding.  This should be the goal of all teachers.  (Teacher being used in the broad sense; one who instructs others in anything.)

College/university is a place for young people to go learn some things and 'find themselves.'  Provosts, Deans, and even 'lowly' professors are 'In Loco Parentis,' in place of the parents.  It is not time for the Administration/Faculty to let students party, etc.  Their job is to guide students into adulthood as well as encourage their desire for self learning in the absence of their parents.  The result should not be a knowledgeable worker.  It should be a capable adult with moral standards and the ability to self direct.

I would love to hear some other quotes/situations that y'all have issue with.