What does this quote from Henry Adams mean Nothing in education is so astonishing as the amount of ignorance it accumulates in the form of inert facts?

Answer 1

The quote 'Nothing in education is so astonishing, as the amount of ignorance it accumulates in the form of inert facts' by Henry Adams basically means that the most amazing thing about any education is how many useless facts are learned. For example, in education today, many students are forced to memorize facts that they are tested on, but after the test, they don't have to remember the facts anymore. Instead of teaching life-skills, they are taught how to memorize useless information.

Answer 2

This quote from Henry Adams suggests that education often focuses on memorizing facts without fostering a deeper understanding or critical thinking. Adams is critical of an educational system that places too much emphasis on rote memorization rather than on cultivating a true comprehension of knowledge.