Knowledge as an end in itself

Knowledge as an end in itself

Liberal Education, viewed in itself, is simply the cultivation of the intellect, as such, and its object is nothing more or less than intellectual excellence (92)

Newman stresses again and again that knowledge is an end in itself, and that the purpose of liberal education is to gain knowledge, and nothing more. He asserts that having a liberal education certainly doesn't make one a better person. Are you satisfied with this definition of a liberal education? I'm not necessarily rejecting his definition, but I wonder whether there is no useful or practical ends of a liberal education.

I'm also interested in talking about Newman's theological arguments. I'm surprised that he didn't defend a liberal education, including the study of theology, as ideal because it leads one on a proper path to salvation, or something to that effect.