QuoteProject
Have you ever thought, headmaster, that your standards might perhaps be a little out of date? Of course they're out of date. Standards are always out of date. That is what makes them standards.
Alan Bennett
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Standards evolve over time, and clinging to outdated ones limits progress. Embracing change in standards is essential for growth.

This quote by Alan Bennett emphasizes the idea that standards, which are often seen as benchmarks for quality or behavior, can become obsolete as society changes. It suggests that adhering strictly to outdated standards can hinder innovation and adaptation, highlighting the need for flexibility and reevaluation in the face of new information and circumstances.

Themes

StandardsChangeEducationProgressInnovation

In practice

Example use cases

During a staff meeting about curriculum changes, this quote could encourage teachers to reconsider their approaches.

More from Alan Bennett

Standards are always out of date. That's what makes them standards.
Alan BennettRead
To begin with, it's true, she read with trepidation and some unease. The sheer endlessness of books outfaced her and she had no idea how to go on; there was no system to her reading, with one book leading to another, and often she had two or three on the go at the same time.
Alan BennettRead
A book is a device to ignite the imagination.
Alan BennettRead
Those who have known the famous are publicly debriefed of their memories, knowing as their own dusk falls that they will only be remembered for remembering someone else.
Alan BennettRead
To read is to withdraw.To make oneself unavailable. One would feel easier about it if the pursuit inself were less...selfish.
Alan BennettRead
The best moments in reading are when you come across something - a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things - which you had thought special and particular to you. And now, here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met, someone even who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out, and taken yours
Alan BennettRead

Similar quotes

In all the twelve years I was at school no one ever succeeded in making me write a Latin verse or learn any Greek except the alphabet.
Winston ChurchillRead
I want to venture out into music education for kids. As a child, I was discouraged by a lack of money, and now I want to use my platform to give back to kids without resources.
KhalidRead
It is the mark of an educated mind to rest satisfied with the degree of precision which the nature of the subject admits and not to seek exactness where only an approximation is possible.
AristotleRead
He had been so busy getting away from the library, he hadn't paid attention to where he was going.
J. K. RowlingRead
This will never be a civilized country until we spend more money for books than we do for chewing gum.
Elbert HubbardRead
I no have education. I have inspiration. If I was educated I would be a damn fool.
Bob MarleyRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.