Knowledge Its Own End By John Henry Newman

In the section of John Henry Newman from Knowledge Its Own End, Newman gives compelling arguments that Liberal Education is the heart of all extensions of knowledge. He takes in his life and religious experience to prove to others how important this form of education is, compared to practical education. The difference between these two educations is practical, or useful knowledge, is for everyday application. As for liberal education, it is pursued “for its own sake” with continuous learning.
When it comes to liberal education, it is a reward in itself. With anything being liberal education, it can stand alone. Such that ”things, which can bear to be cut off from everything else and yet persist in living must have life in themselves” (Newman pg 56). In such a case that this form of education is related to physical exercise, it is explained as “commercial education” versus a “professional”. When one learns how to sing, it is liberal education, but when one takes takes their talented voice to sing at the Royal Opera House, then it is no longer liberal
It is because there is such a limitless amount of Liberal Education is what makes it more important. It is argued by objectors that because of having no limit, or no direct end, it does not have purpose. Newman has the rebuttal that there are natural qualities of a large knowledge. Even though Liberal Knowledge of capable of standing on its own with its own life, it is all of the different knowledge that turns the world into a beautiful whole. It is the talent of painting combined with the talent of horseback riding that is compared to the beauty of pasture lands combined with territorial mansions. It is the talent of swimming with the talent of singing that is compared to the beauty of gardens and public churches. Although every component is beautiful and extraordinary in itself, it is the merging of these components that wrap the world