As the true object of education is not to render the pupil the mere copy of his preceptor, it is rather to be rejoiced in, than lamented, that various reading should lead him into new trains of thinking.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Godwin argues education should spark new thinking rather than copy the teacher.
- In plain terms
- Learning should create new ideas, not just repeat old ones.
- What can you take from it?
- Prioritize independent thinking over rote memorization.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you teach new thinking?
- Is repetition ever good?
Another view
Copying can still be useful for foundational skills.
More from William Godwin
The poet:who is the legislator of generations and the moral instructor of the world.
Permalink to quote #2 Perfectibility is one of the most unequivocal characteristics of the human species.
Permalink to quote #3 If there be such a thing as truth, it must infallibly be struck out by the collision of mind with mind.
Permalink to quote #4
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