St. Newman on Education

Integration of Knowledge:  St. Newman emphasized the importance of a holistic education that integrates various disciplines and fields of knowledge. He believed that a well-rounded education should not focus solely on vocational or specialized training but should also cultivate the intellect and character of individuals.
"A cultivated intellect, because it is a good in itself, brings with it a power and a grace to every work and occupation which it undertakes..."

Liberal Education: St. Newman advocated for a liberal education, which develops students' capacity to analyze, reason, and extend their minds. He believed that education should enable students to engage with a wide range of ideas, texts, and subjects, fostering a deep understanding of human cultures, science, and religion.
"Education is a higher word [than instruction]; it implies an action upon our mental nature, and the formation of a character; it is something individual and permanent, and is commonly spoken of in connexion with religion and virtue."

Development of Character: For St. Newman, education was not just about acquiring information; it was also about forming character and virtue. He believed that education should develop a moral and spiritual vision with a sense of responsibility. 
"A character [is] more noble to look at, more beautiful, more winning, in the various relations of life and in personal duties...when [an intellectual] culture is bestowed upon a soil naturally adapted to virtue."

Personal, Holistic Growth: St. Newman emphasized the uniqueness of each student. He believed that education draw out the talents, interests, and abilities inherent in every person. He opposed the notion of education as a one-size-fits-all endeavor and instead advocated for an approach that nurtures the distinct potential of each student.
"When a multitude of young men, keen, open-hearted, sympathetic, and  observant, as young men are, come together and freely mix with each other, they  are sure to learn one from another, even if there be no one to teach them; the conversation of all is a series of lectures to each, and they gain for themselves new ideas and views, fresh matter of thought, and distinct principles for judging and acting, day by day."

Unity of Knowledge, Faith, and Reason: As a Catholic theologian, St. Newman sought to reconcile faith and reason. He believed that a true education should not separate religious or spiritual beliefs from intellectual pursuits. Instead, he proposed that a education, especially at a university, should be a place where religious and philosophical exploration can coexist, fostering a harmonious relationship between faith and knowledge.
"I want a laity, not arrogant, not rash in speech, not disputatious, but men who know their religion, who enter into it, who know just where they stand, who know what they hold and what they do not, who know their creed so well that they can give an account of it."