The professor who started every lecture with a quote.
THE PROFESSOR WHO STARTED EVERY LECTURE WITH A QUOTE.
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Remember that distinct hum in the lecture hall, just before the first slide or the chalk met the board? For many of us, it wasn’t silence. It was the expectant hush before our beloved professor unveiled the day’s opening epigram. No casual pleasantry, no direct dive into syllabus content. Just a quote. Sometimes from an obscure ancient philosopher, other times a startlingly relevant line from a contemporary poet, or even a scientific axiom recontextualized.
At first, we’d scramble to jot it down, perhaps a bit confused. What did Sophocles have to do with quantum mechanics, or Emily Dickinson with international relations? But then, as the lecture unfolded, the quote would subtly weave itself into the fabric of the discussion, illuminating a concept, challenging an assumption, or perfectly encapsulating the core dilemma. It wasn't just a preamble; it was a conceptual overture, setting the stage for deeper thought, urging us to connect disparate ideas.
These weren't just academic exercises. They were daily invitations to expand our intellectual horizons, to see the world not just through the lens of our chosen discipline, but through the vast tapestry of human thought. That professor taught us more than course material; they instilled a habit of curiosity, a pursuit of meaning beyond the obvious. Long after the final exam, those quotes and lessons unlocked continue to resonate, shaping how we approach problems, how we think critically, and how we view knowledge's interconnectedness. It’s a moment indelibly etched, a true Ivy League experience.