The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge · Chapter
II: Seeking My Education explained
Coolidge reflects on his formal education, from his early departure for Black River Academy to his studies at Amherst College and his eventual admission to the Massachusetts Bar.
What happens
Coolidge reflects on his formal education, from his early departure for Black River Academy to his studies at Amherst College and his eventual admission to the Massachusetts Bar. He emphasizes the importance of self-direction, hard work, and the influence of key teachers like Charles E. Garman, whose philosophy course taught him to think critically and follow the truth. The chapter also covers his early interest in civil government and the Constitution, his frugal lifestyle, and his first political engagement during the 1896 free silver campaign.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Reliance and Education
Coolidge emphasizes taking responsibility for his own education, from choosing his studies to living within a strict budget.
Hard Work and Industry
Coolidge describes his disciplined work ethic, including working Saturdays at a cab shop and studying law intensively.
Heritage and Tradition
Coolidge reflects on his family's educational background and the rural New England values that shaped him.
Frugality and Economy in Government
Coolidge's personal frugality (living on $30 per month) mirrors his later political philosophy of economy in government.
Characters to notice
- Calvin Coolidge
Narrates his educational journey from age 13 through law school admission, emphasizing self-reliance and hard work.
- Charles E. Garman
Head of the philosophy department at Amherst; Coolidge describes him as a remarkable educator who taught students how to think and follow the truth.
- Henry A. Frink
Professor of public speaking at Amherst; had a strong hold on his students and taught composition, oration, and debate.
- Henry Ward Beecher
Mentioned as a former student who admired the beauty of the Amherst region.
- Mr. Hammond
Coolidge's law office mentor; elected District Attorney while Coolidge was a student.
- Judge Field
Became Mayor of Northampton while Coolidge was studying law; Coolidge observed city government through him.
- William Jennings Bryan
Mentioned in the context of the 1896 free silver campaign; Coolidge opposed his policies.
- Captain John Coolidge
Coolidge's father; provided financial support and left Coolidge to make his own educational choices.
Key passages
“One of the sages of New England is reported to have declared that the education of a child should begin several generations before it is born.”
A wise New Englander once said that a child's education starts long before birth, shaped by generations of heritage.
Coolidge introduces the idea of inherited traits and the limits of individual choice in ancestry.
“Going away to school was my first great adventure in life. I shall never forget the impression it made on me.”
Leaving home for school was my first major life adventure, and its impact has stayed with me.
Coolidge marks his departure for Black River Academy as a pivotal moment.
“It was here that we learned the nature of habits and the great advantage of making them our allies instead of our enemies.”
In Garman's class, we discovered how habits can work for us rather than against us.
Coolidge highlights a key lesson from his philosophy course.
“Above all we were taught to follow the truth whithersoever it might lead.”
Most importantly, we were instructed to pursue truth wherever it might take us.
Coolidge summarizes the central tenet of Garman's teaching.
“I was just twenty-five years old and very happy. It was a little over eleven years from the time I left home for the Academy in the late winter of 1886 until I was admitted to the Bar in the early summer of 1897.”
At age 25, I felt great joy. It had been just over eleven years from leaving for the Academy to being admitted to the Bar.
Coolidge reflects on the span of his formal education and his happiness at achieving his goal.
