JS
John Sexton
85quotes
John Sexton
Full Name and Common Aliases
John Sexton is a renowned American Jesuit priest, academic administrator, and theologian. He was born on January 29, 1940.
Birth and Death Dates
January 29, 1940 (birth) - present (deceased)
Nationality and Profession(s)
American
Priest, Academic Administrator, Theologian
Early Life and Background
John Sexton grew up in a Jewish family but converted to Catholicism at the age of 14. He was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and attended Stuyvesant High School before enrolling at Yale University. At Yale, he studied philosophy and graduated with honors in 1961. He then went on to study theology at Harvard Divinity School and later earned his Ph.D. in religious studies from Yale.
Major Accomplishments
Sexton's academic career spans over five decades, during which he made significant contributions as a theologian, educator, and administrator. As a theologian, he was particularly interested in the intersection of faith and reason. He taught at several institutions, including Fordham University, where he became a full professor of religious studies.
Sexton's most notable accomplishment came when he became the 15th president of New York University (NYU) in 2001. Under his leadership, NYU underwent significant transformations, including the establishment of new schools and programs, such as the Stern School of Business and the Tisch School of the Arts. He also oversaw the expansion of the university's global presence through partnerships with institutions around the world.
Notable Works or Actions
Sexton has written extensively on theology and its relationship to modern society. His most notable work is "An American Abroad," a collection of essays that explore his experiences as an American theologian living abroad. He has also been a vocal advocate for social justice, particularly in the areas of immigration reform and LGBTQ+ rights.
Impact and Legacy
Sexton's impact on education and society extends far beyond his academic achievements. As president of NYU, he transformed the institution into a global hub of intellectual and cultural activity. His commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion helped create a more inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds.
As a theologian, Sexton has influenced generations of scholars with his thought-provoking writings on the intersection of faith and reason. His emphasis on the importance of spirituality in everyday life continues to inspire people worldwide.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
John Sexton is widely quoted and remembered for his unique blend of intellectual rigor, spiritual depth, and commitment to social justice. As a pioneering figure in modern Catholic theology, he has inspired countless scholars, educators, and leaders with his vision for a more just and compassionate world.
His leadership at NYU not only transformed the institution but also cemented its reputation as a hub of global excellence. Through his writings and actions, Sexton continues to inspire people around the globe to explore the complexities of faith, reason, and human experience.
Quotes by John Sexton
John Sexton's insights on:
"
I’ve found even after nearly 30 years of doing this, there are all kinds of new surprises that rear their heads at various times and I truly believe that 51% of the images, success takes place in the darkroom.
"
There is a considerable amount of manipulation in the printmaking from the straight photograph to the finished print. If I do my job correctly that shouldn’t be visible at all, it should be transparent.
"
I think the greatest photographers are the amateur photographers who do it because they love it. Arnold Newman is a good example; he is a consummate professional, but he’s also an ‘amateur’ in the pure sense of the word.
"
The reason I do workshops is so I can learn, and I am fortunate that I’ve probably gained more from the whole experience of teaching than any one participant has. It is all about asking.
"
To me, photography is 90% a retrospective experience. There’s the part of pursuing the image, and exposing the film, but once you make the exposure, you’re always looking backwards in time. I like that aspect of photography.
"
Obviously, we can see what was in front of the camera, but if a photograph is honestly made, it’s a bit of a self-portrait. I think it’s impossible for a photographer who is working honestly to keep this from happening.
"
And friends of mine that had photography class in high school would develop the film and make prints and I’d take them back to the track and give ‘em away or try and sell them. Much to my parents’ dismay, I majored in photography in college.
"
It’s not a question of getting the opportunities, it’s a question of noticing that opportunities are there.
"
And then as I frequently do, some times I’ll peek out from underneath the focusing cloth and just look around the edges of the frame that I’m not seeing, see if there’s something that should be adjusted in terms of changing the camera position.
Showing 1 to 10 of 85 results