Meaning: Katharine Fullerton Gerould, an American writer and critic, made this statement in her essay "The Unholy Compromise," which was published in 1928. In this quote, Gerould expresses her concern about the state of education and intellectual pursuits in colleges. She highlights two significant issues that she believes have had a detrimental impact on the academic environment: ignorance of what real learning is and a consequent suspicion of it, and materialism leading to intellectual laxity.

The first part of the quote addresses the ignorance of what real learning is and the resulting suspicion of it. Gerould is critical of the fact that many individuals within the academic community, particularly in colleges, lack a true understanding of what constitutes genuine learning. This ignorance, in her view, has led to a pervasive suspicion of real learning. The implication here is that there is a disconnect between the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake and the prevailing attitudes towards education. Instead of valuing the intrinsic worth of learning, there is a sense of skepticism or distrust surrounding it. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as a focus on utilitarian or vocational education at the expense of broader intellectual development, or an overemphasis on grades and credentials rather than a genuine passion for knowledge.

The second part of the quote addresses materialism and its role in fostering intellectual laxity. Here, Gerould points to the influence of materialistic attitudes on the intellectual climate within colleges. Materialism, in this context, refers to a preoccupation with material wealth, possessions, and tangible outcomes. Gerould suggests that this materialistic mindset has led to a state of intellectual laxity, indicating a lack of rigor, discipline, and critical thinking in academic pursuits. The implication is that the pursuit of knowledge has been overshadowed by more material concerns, leading to a devaluation of intellectual engagement and a decline in the standards of academic inquiry.

Gerould's critique of the state of colleges in the early 20th century is rooted in her broader concerns about the direction of education and the erosion of intellectual values. Her commentary reflects a deep-seated unease with the prevailing trends in academia and the potential consequences for society as a whole. By highlighting these issues, Gerould calls attention to the need for a reexamination of educational priorities and a reaffirmation of the intrinsic value of learning and intellectual rigor.

In conclusion, Katharine Fullerton Gerould's quote captures her concerns about the state of learning and intellectual pursuits in colleges, particularly in relation to ignorance of real learning and materialism leading to intellectual laxity. Her critique serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the true spirit of education, valuing knowledge for its own sake, and fostering a culture of intellectual inquiry and rigor within academic institutions.