Meaning: The quote "My parents, and especially my mother, encouraged by the director of the local school which I was attending, wanted in spite of everything to send me to a National School of Arts and Crafts so that I could later become an engineer" by Leon Jouhaux, a French trade union leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, highlights the importance of parental and educational support in shaping a person's future career path. This quote reflects the influence of family and mentors in guiding an individual's educational and professional aspirations.

Leon Jouhaux's statement underscores the pivotal role played by his parents and the school director in nurturing his academic and vocational pursuits. The emphasis on the mother's encouragement suggests the significant impact of parental support on a child's educational choices. In this context, the director's endorsement of sending Jouhaux to a specialized institution, the National School of Arts and Crafts, indicates the recognition of his potential and the belief in the value of pursuing a specific educational path.

The mention of the National School of Arts and Crafts as the intended destination for Jouhaux's education signifies the importance of specialized training and skill development in his career trajectory. By expressing the desire for him to become an engineer, Jouhaux's parents and the school director demonstrate a clear vision for his future and a commitment to providing him with the necessary resources and opportunities to achieve his professional goals.

This quote also sheds light on the broader societal attitudes towards education and vocational training during Jouhaux's time. The underlying belief in the transformative power of education and the pursuit of a specific career path reflects the prevailing aspirations for social mobility and personal fulfillment through academic and professional achievement. It also underscores the recognition of the role of technical and artistic skills in driving innovation and progress in various industries, including engineering.

Furthermore, the quote resonates with the theme of individual agency and the influence of external guidance in shaping personal ambitions. Jouhaux's parents and the school director's proactive efforts to steer his educational journey highlight the interconnectedness of personal aspirations and external support in realizing one's potential. It underscores the role of mentors and educational institutions in facilitating the pursuit of specific career paths and the cultivation of talent and expertise.

In conclusion, Leon Jouhaux's quote encapsulates the significance of parental and educational encouragement in guiding an individual's academic and professional pursuits. It underscores the formative influence of family and mentors in shaping career aspirations and the societal value placed on specialized education and vocational training. By acknowledging the instrumental role of his parents and the school director in shaping his educational trajectory, Jouhaux's quote exemplifies the intersection of personal ambition and external support in fostering professional growth and achievement.