Once they are through the process of education, most…
“Once they are through the process of education, most people lose the capacity of wondering, of being surprised. They feel they ought to know everything, and hence that it is a sign of ignorance to be surprised or puzzled by anything.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Education can stifle curiosity, making people think they must know everything and view surprise as ignorance.
In simple terms: Learning can kill wonder.
Cultivate curiosity despite knowledge.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- schooling
- professional training
- self‑directed study
- media consumption
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does certainty limit growth?
- When did you last feel truly surprised?
Surprise can be valuable for learning, not a sign of weakness.