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I really see no harm which can come of giving our children a little knowledge of physiology. ... The instruction must be real, based upon observation, eked out by good explanatory diagrams and models, and conveyed by a teacher whose own knowledge has been acquired by a study of the facts; and not the mere catechismal parrot-work which too often usurps the place of elementary teaching.
Thomas Huxley
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Teaching children about physiology can be beneficial if done through real observation and effective teaching methods.

In this quote, Thomas Huxley emphasizes the importance of providing children with knowledge in physiology, arguing that such education should be grounded in real observation and effective teaching practices. He critiques rote memorization and advocates for a learning process that is interactive, based on genuine understanding, and supported by visual aids. The goal is to cultivate informed and curious minds rather than to produce students who simply recite information without comprehension.

Themes

EducationPhysiologyTeachingKnowledgeLearning

In practice

Example use cases

In a school assembly, a teacher might use this quote to emphasize the importance of hands-on learning.

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A little wisdom, now and then

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Quote by Thomas Huxley | QuoteProject