At schools, the children who are too stupid or lazy to…
““At schools, the children who are too stupid or lazy to learn languages, mathematics and elementary science can be set to doing the things that children used to do in their spare time. Let them, for example, make mud pies and call it modelling. But all the time there must be no faintest hint that they are inferior to the children who are at work. Whatever nonsense they are engaged in must have—I believe the English already use the phrase—"parity of esteem." An even more drastic scheme is not impossible. Children who are fit to proceed to a higher class may be artificially kept back, because the others would get a trauma—Beelzebub, what a useful word!—by being left behind. The bright pupil thus remains democratically fettered to his own age group throughout his school career, and a boy who would be capable of tackling Aeschylus or Dante sits listening to his coeval's attempts to spell out 'A Cat Sat On A Mat'.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage satates that educational systems often lower standards for weaker students, preventing gifted ones from advancing and creating a false equality that hinders true learning.
In simple terms: Schools may hold back bright kids to keep everyone feeling equal.
Key Takeaway
Ensure curricula challenge all abilities.
Themes
education
equality
giftedness
social control
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- classroom teaching
- curriculum design
- policy reform
- gifted programs
Key Concepts
meritocracy
pedagogy
social stratification
Questions to Reflect On
- How can schools balance support for struggling learners with encouragement for gifted students?
- What policies protect both equity and excellence?
A Different Perspective
Uniform standards can suppress excellence and demotivate high achievers.