310. A pupil and a teacher. The pupil will not let anything be explained to him, for he continually interrupts with doubts, for instance as to the existence of things, the meaning for words, etc. The teacher says 'Stop interrupting me and do as I tell you. So far your doubts don't make sense at all.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Students who doubt everything prevent learning because they lack the foundation to ask meaningful questions.
- In plain terms
- A student who constantly interrupts with deep doubts learns nothing.
- What can you take from it?
- Learn basics before questioning existence.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does doubt help learning?
- What must be accepted before it can be questioned?
Another view
Some foundational doubts are essential for deep critical thinking.
More from Ludwig Wittgenstein
253. At the core of all well-founded belief, lies belief that is unfounded.
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