May 18, 2021
The Great Thought Leaders on Extension
Ever wonder what great thought leaders would think about extension, extension professionals, and our extension volunteers? I do not have the ability to ask the thought leaders mentioned below directly. In fact, most of them are dead. Nevertheless, I believe what they have said about education and educators provides insight into what they would think about us, our extension mission, and our institution.
Benjamin Franklin said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” As the saying goes, we provide knowledge for life. I believe Ben would have seen the wisdom in the extension investment. Additionally, wouldn’t it have been cool to see him advocate for us during governmental budget debates?
“Education is not training for life; education is life itself.” That quote was made by philosopher John Dewey. Learning is not only how we survive. Learning enables us to thrive as individuals and as a society. Extension provides life education throughout our lives. Dewey would be a fan.
Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president emerita of the Children’s Defense Fund, opined that “Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community better than you found it.” I don’t know that there is a perfect statement that captures extension, but that one comes pretty close.
Educator Booker T. Washington said, “The happiest people are those who do the most for others. The most miserable are those that do the least.” I believe that if Washington knew we made approximately 1.3 million direct and indirect education contacts last year, he would have said that extension professionals and volunteers have to be the happiest people in the world.
Finally, historian Henry Brooks Adams indicated “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” I believe Adams would say that because of the work extension professionals and volunteers do, our educational impact will be felt forever.
Isn’t it funny how, when many great thought leaders comment on great education and great educators, their thoughts often reflect what we try to accomplish in extension? Take pride in that!
Now, be happy by going out and helping as many people as you can this week. Be the greatest investment a society can make by providing that all-important knowledge for life. All you have to do is just be you and do what you always do. Change lives, livelihoods, communities, and the world for all eternity by effectively and generously wielding our powerful extension education!