College prolongs infancy

by Horace Meyer Kallen

"College Prolongs Infancy" by Horace M. Kallen is a critical essay written in the early 20th century, specifically in the early 1930s. The book evaluates the educational system, particularly focusing on how colleges and universities contribute to a prolonged period of immaturity in students rather than preparing them for adulthood. Kallen argues that the ideals and practices of higher education are largely irrelevant to the real-life challenges faced by graduates, perpetuating a sense of dependency and childishness instead of fostering maturity and responsibility. In the book, Kallen presents a thorough critique of the higher education system, illustrating how its structure and curriculum are disconnected from the realities of adult life. He highlights that students often emerge from this system ill-equipped for real-world responsibilities, having excelled in subjects that lack practical application. Kallen discusses the societal implications of this failure, emphasizing that the prolonged youthful state enforced by colleges delays individuals' entry into adulthood, with practical skills often overshadowed by theoretical knowledge. He decries this state of affairs as detrimental not only to the students but to society at large, arguing for a reformation of educational practices that better align with the requirements of both personal development and societal engagement.