Summary Of The Love Of Learning By David Mccullough

“The Love of Learning,” by David McCullough

(intro) How many bricks are on the Great Wall of China? Who invented the Frisbee? All of this information is quickly found through the use of a search engine. Overuse of the internet as a source of learning, and the lack of the pursuit of knowledge through classic literature is what caused McCullough to state, “ The value of information, facts, figures, and the like, depends on what we make of it-on judgement. But information, let us be clear, isn’t learning” (2008/2012, p. 334). McCullough presents a strong argument on the critical need to love learning, and his use of logos, ethos, and pathos prove effective in his claim that the increasing use of the internet as a source of information,

rather than the reading of books is affecting the ability to truly learn rather than just memorizing facts.
(summary) In “For the Love of Learning,” by David McCullough a historian, Yale University English literature graduate, and Pulitzer Prize winner, discusses the need to love learning and to read books. He realizes that almost any information is easily accessible on handheld devices. However, he argues that this quick research is not truly learning rather it is just memorization. He quotes many former presidents who have made reading a pivotal part of their lives and how they have greatly benefited from it. McCullough reminds the audience that learning is not something that can be found without reading. He also states in his speech through an example in American history, that learning can also be done incorrectly and can negatively affect themselves and their communities. However, if reading is done diligently it can allow a love of learning to develop and will provide happiness.
(logos) Throughout his speech, he appeals to the reader's intellect with reiterating the importance and value of learning. He begins by showing a comparison to the students when he says, "The right bit of information at the opportune moment can be worth a fortune."(p.334) This analogy compares learning to money, something everyone values. He then also compares the value of information to having the ability to save a life. This comparison strengthens his argument on the importance of learning. Which is appropriate and convincing and allows his argument to be relatable, on the value of education, to his audience, which are students graduating from a prestigious university. The students undoubtedly value education and learning.
The author also uses evidence from American history to reiterate his concern for individuals to love learning. He accounts a personal experience of a former United States president to use as an example. He tells of how John Adams grew up in an illiterate family and through the opportunity of a scholarship was able to receive a college education, and it was then that he discovered books. He emphasized how important books were to him and how they greatly influenced his life. This personal reflection from a former leader of the country provides a strong association for his argument to connect reading to historical leaders and that books can change a life.
McCullough’s address to the students also uses statistics in order to influence them. He states, “according to the U.S. Department of Education, among all Americans with a college education, fully a third read not one novel or short story or poem.”(p.335) This statistic is used to show the great need for reading as well as to become familiar with great literary works. This statistic strongly supports his argument that not enough individuals are learning through reading. It also reiterates how McCullough feels about current technology, and that to be fully educated they must read and be willing to learn.
(ethos) In his speech to the graduating class, McCullough establishes credibility by prefacing that the importance of education has been an integral part of American history. His credentials make him a trustworthy expert on the subject since McCullough is a historian and an accomplished author. His experience with learning, education, and being the recipient of multiple literature makes his statements reputable. He begins his address by stating numerous random facts such as, how many quills found on a porcupine and others that can be found easily online. By doing this he is showing the audience that anything, even information that seems useless such as how many quills a porcupine has can be found easily. By taking the time to acknowledge that finding information easily is exciting, in that anything someone wants to know, is now readily available at the touch of a button yet that is not learning. After stating this he strengthens his claim because it shows the students that obtaining information quickly is temporarily rewarding, but it is preventing them from gaining a love of learning as well it also being the responsibility of the students to technology correctly.
McCullough demonstrates an awareness of his audience’s assumptions about information and realizes that some might say that just having information is learning. He does not acknowledge this issue as valid and states, “you could memorize the World Almanac and call yourself educated. If you memorized the World Almanac you wouldn’t be educated. You’d be weird.” (p.334) When he says this it reaffirms and strengthens his argument to the audience that knowledge and learning is to be done through thoughtful and consistent reading. He further establishes his claim by quoting a former president’s wife, Abigail Adams when she says, “Learning is not attained by chance. It must be sought with ardor and attended by diligence.” (p.334). His use of professional language such as “ardor” and “diligence” is likely to increase the students trust because that is very strong verbiage and means enthusiasm or passion, this enhances his point that learning is to be done with vigor and desire
McCullough uses the example of a famous former politician that learning can also be done incorrectly.

He references an example of Senator Charles Sumner’s experience abroad where he witnessed African American people being treated kindly which during that time was contrary to what was being taught in America. He tells this story to emphasize his belief that some forms of learning can be detrimental if not done with the right intentions. Throughout “The Love of Learning” David McCullough establishes his credibility by quoting respected former presidents. He quotes Thomas Jefferson writing to John Adams, “I cannot live without books.”(p.335) The author exhibits he is knowledgeable about the subject by telling this story which informs the audience of the array of impressive historical writings and variety of texts that Adams read. He greatly establishes credibility by quoting former presidents and exemplifying knowledge on the subject. The audience’s trust is gained because the individuals he quoted greatly influenced our

country.
McCullough also understands the audience’s view on the topic when he is talking to a graduating class which contains many young minds. He knows that they have grown up in an era where information is quickly found and memorized for tests. He also frequently cautions to the them the importance of reading and gaining invaluable information from books. Through these examples his argument remains strong and convincing.
(pathos) Throughout his speech, “The Love of Learning,” McCullough continually declares his love of learning and the benefits he has seen in his life because of it. As he is speaking to the graduates he references personal stories to further convey the necessity to love learning and to apply it to their lives.
McCullough uses a powerful example in the beginning of his speech to invoke the importance of learning.

He says, “Information can save your life.” (p.334) This statement appeals to the emotions of the audience and strengthens his argument when he compares information to the importance of human life. He tells the audience of his personal experience with learning and provides them with his testimonial of its positive effects on his life. He says, “Make the love of learning central to your life. What a difference it can mean. If your experience is anything like mine, the books that will mean the most to you, books that will change your life, are still to come.” (p.335) When he mentions the word love, he is trying to spark that emotion into his audience. The word love usually brings to many individual’s minds happy and tender thoughts. By using this word he is hoping to have the audience associate it with

learning.
McCullough reminds the graduates that they went to a prestigious school and received an excellent education. However, he employs a personal tone and tells them that their learning does not end with receiving a degree, this causes the audience to feel a sense of desire to learn as much as possible after graduation. By reminding the students of their exemplary education he is able to make a personal connection which deepens his argument on the importance of learning and having learning overflow into their personal lives past the classroom.
David McCullough is passionate about his love of learning and the value that he places on it. Near the end of his speech he expresses to them his personal testimonial on learning. He says, “…and don’t just work for money. Choose work you believe in, work you enjoy. Money enough will follow. Believe me, there’s nothing like turning to every day to do work you love.” (p.336) When he gives this advice he employs a feeling of desire to use their education and what they have learned and do something they love. When McCullough uses the words “believe” and “enjoy” these inflict positive emotions which resonates with the students and solidifies his argument that learning, reading and education are invaluable.
(conclusion) Though many individuals will continue to seek information quickly from the internet, David McCullough presents a compelling argument that the love of learning is not something that can be gained from a search engine, but through books. His belief that America would be much different if some of the country’s leaders would not have been educated through books. He also states that the ability to search for any fact is convenient but that convenience is greatly hindering the ability to truly love learning.