Mark Hopkins
Mark Hopkins
Full Name and Common Aliases
Mark Hopkins (March 3, 1802 – October 29, 1887) was a renowned American educator, philanthropist, and the first president of the University of California.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: March 3, 1802
Died: October 29, 1887 (aged 85)
Nationality and Profession(s)
American educator and philanthropist
Early Life and Background
Mark Hopkins was born in West Boxford, Massachusetts, on March 3, 1802. He grew up in a family that valued education and encouraged his early interest in learning. In 1825, he graduated from Williams College with honors and went on to become a teacher.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his life, Mark Hopkins made significant contributions to education in the United States. Some of his notable achievements include:
Establishing the University of California: Hopkins played a crucial role in founding the University of California, which was officially chartered in 1868. He served as its first president and worked tirelessly to establish it as one of the leading institutions of higher learning on the West Coast.
Advancing Progressive Education: Hopkins believed that education should be accessible to all individuals, regardless of their background or financial situation. He advocated for progressive education methods, which emphasized practical skills and hands-on learning experiences.
Promoting Social Justice: A strong advocate for social justice, Hopkins worked tirelessly to address issues related to poverty, inequality, and the rights of marginalized communities.Notable Works or Actions
Mark Hopkins was a prolific writer and lecturer who shared his ideas on education and social reform through various mediums. Some notable works include:
Speeches: Hopkins delivered many speeches on education, social justice, and progressive reform during his lifetime. His passionate oratory skills and commitment to these causes inspired countless individuals to work towards creating a more just society.
* Writings: He published numerous articles and essays in prominent journals and newspapers, addressing topics such as education policy, economic inequality, and the role of women in society.
Impact and Legacy
Mark Hopkins' dedication to education and social justice has left an indelible mark on American history. His tireless efforts helped establish the University of California as a model for progressive education and paved the way for future generations of educators and reformers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Mark Hopkins is widely quoted and remembered today due to his commitment to creating a more just and equitable society through education. His passionate advocacy for progressive education methods, social justice, and human rights continues to inspire people around the world.
Quotes by Mark Hopkins
Mark Hopkins's insights on:
The essential elements of giving are power and love – activity and affection – and the consciousness of the race testifies that in the high and appropriate exercise of these is a blessedness greater than any other.
Our prayer and God’s mercy are like two buckets in a well; while the one ascends the other descends.
Certainly, no revolution that has ever taken place in society can be compared to that which has been produced by the words of Jesus Christ.
The very act of faith by which we receive Christ is an act of the utter renunciation of self, and all its works, as a ground of salvation. It is really a denial of self, and a grounding of its arms in the last citadel into which it can be driven, and is, in its principle, inclusive of every subsequent act of self-denial by which sin is forsaken or overcome.
Man can have strength of character only as he is capable of controlling his faculties; of choosing a rational end; and, in its pursuit, of holding fast to his integrity against al! the might of external nature.
Let the church come to God in the strength of a perfect weakness, in the power of a felt helplessness and a child-like confidence, and then, either she has no strength, and has no right to be, or she has a strength that is infinite. Then and thus, will she stretch out the rod over the seas of difficulty that lie before her, and the waters shall divide, and she shall pass through, and sing the song of deliverance.
Guided by His wisdom, strong in His strength, there maybe for you struggle and suffering, the darkness and the storm. "The disciple is not above His Master." There may be weeping that shall endure for a night, but joy shall come in the morning. If the night cometh, so also the morning, "a morning without clouds," the morning of an eternal day.
We are to regard the mind, not as a piece of iron to be laid upon the anvil and hammered into any shape, nor as a block of marble in which we are to find the statue by removing the rubbish, nor as a receptacle into which knowledge may be poured; but as a flame that is to be fed, as an active being that must be strengthened to think and to feel -- and to dare, to do, and to suffer.
Christianity alone inspires and guides progress; for the progress of man is movement toward God. and movement toward God wili ensure a gradual unfolding of all that exalts and adorns man.