A teacher's major contribution may pop out anonymously in the life of some ex-student's grandchild. A teacher, finally, has nothing to go on but faith, a student nothing to offer in return but testimony.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Teachers influence deeply without knowing, working on faith alone.
- In plain terms
- Teachers help students who may never thank them.
- What can you take from it?
- Teaching is an act of faith.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What do you teach?
- Are you patient with growth?
Another view
Not all students become testifiers.
More from Wendell Berry
We are living even now among punishments and ruins.
Permalink to quote #14 We are living in the most destructive and, hence, the most stupid period of the history of our species.
Permalink to quote #16 The teachers are everywhere. What is wanted is a learner.
Permalink to quote #13
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