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About this quote

What does it mean?
Inspire people to think for themselves instead of giving them thoughts.
In plain terms
Wake up what is inside people rather than feeding them ideas.
What can you take from it?
Encourage self-generated thinking over external input.

Where it applies

  • teaching
  • mentoring
  • parenting

Putting it to work

  • asking questions
  • active listening

Questions to consider

  • Do you feed thoughts or inspire them?
  • How do you wake people up?

Another view

Some guidance is needed to spark initial thinking.

More from George MacDonald

  1. The man that feareth, Lord, to doubt, In that fear doubteth thee.

    Permalink to quote #12
  2. Two people may be at the same spot in manners and behaviour, and yet one may be getting better, and the other worse, which is the greatest of differences that …

    Permalink to quote #14
  3. You would not think any duty small, If you yourself were great.

    Permalink to quote #11

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