Observe," said the Director triumphantly, "observe." Books…
““Observe," said the Director triumphantly, "observe." Books and loud noises, fiowers and electric shocks-already in the infant mind these couples were compromisingly linked; and after two hundred repetitions of the same or a similar lesson would be wedded indissolubly. What man has joined, nature is powerless to put asunder. "They'll grow up with what the psychologists used to call an 'instinctive' hatred of books and flowers. Reflexes unalterably conditioned. They'll be safe from books and botany all their lives." The Director turned to his nurses. "Take them away again." / —Observen —dijo el director, en tono triunfal—. Observen. Los libros y ruidos fuertes, flores y descargas eléctricas; en la mente de aquellos niños ambas cosas se hallaban ya fuertemente relacionadas entre sí; y al cabo de doscientas repeticiones de la misma o parecida lección formarían ya una unión indisoluble. Lo que el hombre ha unido, la Naturaleza no puede separarlo. —Crecerán con lo que los psicólogos solían llamar un odio instintivo hacia los libros y las flores. Reflejos condicionados definitivamente. Estarán a salvo de los libros y de la botánica para toda su vida. —El director se volvió hacia las enfermeras—. Llévenselos.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Repeated pairing of stimuli creates lasting aversion, showing how conditioning can shape lifelong dislikes.
In simple terms: Conditioning can create permanent dislikes.
Be cautious of repeated negative associations.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- parental guidance
- educational curricula
- media exposure
- advertising strategies
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we unlearn harmful conditioned responses?
- What ethical limits exist for conditioning?
Overconditioning may limit flexibility and adaptability.