The Idea of a University by John Henry Newman is an essay that discusses the nature of knowledge, the role of religion in higher education, and the importance of liberal arts for holistic intellectual development. This work consists of a collection of lectures that oppose the idea of a university as a place for technical or professional training, and instead defend the idea of a university as a center for the pursuit of knowledge and universal truth. This work focuses on the role of liberal arts in shaping a person's character and intellect. Newman argues that the main purpose of a university is not merely to provide practical skills (such as becoming an engineer or lawyer), but to develop comprehensive and critical intellectual abilities. The Idea of a University also discusses the relationship between religion and science, showing that the two can coexist in a university environment.