What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.
George Bernard ShawRead
A fool's brain digests philosophy into folly, science into superstition, and art into pedantry. Hence University education.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote criticizes the superficial interpretation of complex subjects by those who lack understanding.
George Bernard Shaw's quote reflects on how a fool misinterprets profound knowledge, reducing philosophy to foolishness, science to superstition, and art to mere pedantry. He critiques university education for potentially perpetuating this cycle, highlighting the danger of shallow learning and the importance of true understanding.
Themes
EducationKnowledgePhilosophyScienceArtFoolishness
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about critical thinking, you might use this quote to emphasize how important it is to deeply understand the subjects we study.
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Forgive him, for he believes that the customs of his tribe are the laws of nature!
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Those who talk most about the blessings of marriage and the constancy of its vows are the very people who declare that if the chain were broken and the prisoners left free to choose, the whole social fabric would fly asunder. You cannot have the argument both ways. If the prisoner is happy, why lock him in? If he is not, why pretend that he is?
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Treat a friend as a person who may someday become your enemy; an enemy as a person who may someday become your friend.
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The happiness of credulity is a cheap and dangerous quality.
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