If you feel that you have both feet planted on level ground, then the university has failed you

If you feel that you have both feet planted on level ground, then the university has failed you

Robert F. Goheen, the 16th president of Princeton University, once famously said, “If you feel that you have both feet planted on level ground, then the university has failed you.” This quote encapsulates the essence of higher education and the transformative power it has to challenge and push individuals beyond their comfort zones.

Goheen’s words suggest that the purpose of a university education is not simply to provide students with a set of skills or knowledge, but rather to instill in them a sense of curiosity, critical thinking, and a willingness to question the status quo. By encouraging students to step out of their comfort zones and confront new ideas and perspectives, universities can help them grow intellectually and personally.