Ideas Public education was built on this key concept — now it's gone
Sep 11, 2025
Join economic historian Carl Turner, who explores Wilhelm von Humboldt’s educational philosophy, alongside Philip von Turk, a former JPMorgan director turned education enthusiast, and Professor Mitchell Ashe from the University of Vienna. They dive deep into the concept of Bildung, discussing its modern absence in education. The conversation spans Humboldt's revolutionary ideas on universal education, the evolution of individual capabilities, and the dynamic historical context that shaped educational reforms. Their insights shed light on the critical thinking and civic responsibility needed today.
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Defeat That Sparked Reform
- The twin battles of Jena and Auerstedt in 1806 crushed Prussia and reshaped its future.
- Napoleon's victory ceded half of Prussia's territory and triggered reforms that opened a path for Humboldt's education changes.
* Bildung As Education's Core Aim*
- Bildung is a deeper aim of education focused on developing a person's inner potential and character.
- Humboldt argued general cultivation enables citizens to learn vocational skills later and move between occupations freely.
A Unified Public Education System
- Humboldt linked elementary, secondary, and university education into a coherent state system.
- He standardized teacher training, curricula, textbooks, and exams to make schooling compulsory and open to all.
