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About this quote

What does it mean?
Education is largely about unlearning what we have been taught incorrectly.
In plain terms
Learning often means discarding false ideas.
What can you take from it?
Critical thinking requires questioning prior knowledge.

Where it applies

  • schooling
  • self‑education
  • training

Putting it to work

  • challenge assumptions
  • update beliefs

Questions to consider

  • What have you unlearned recently?
  • How do you identify false teachings?

Another view

Some knowledge is valuable and should be retained.

More from Samuel Langhorne Clemens

  1. Some men worship rank, some worship heroes, some worship power, some worship God, & over these ideals they dispute & cannot unite - but they all worship money.

    Permalink to quote #125
  2. Whenever you find that you are on the side of the majority, it is time to reform.

    Permalink to quote #127
  3. None but the dead have free speech.

    Permalink to quote #124

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