It is the mission of the pedagogue, not to make his pupils…
“It is the mission of the pedagogue, not to make his pupils think, but to make them think right, and the more nearly his own mind pulsates with the great ebbs and flows of popular delusion and emotion, the more admirably he performs his function. He may be an ass, but that is surely no demerit in a man paid to make asses of his customers.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A teacher should guide students toward correct thinking, aligning with prevailing ideas, even if the teacher is flawed.
In simple terms: Teachers aim to shape thought, not just knowledge.
Key Takeaway
Focus on critical thinking over conformity.
Themes
education
authority
critical thinking
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- classroom instruction
- curriculum design
- public discourse
- media analysis
- policy making
- null
Key Concepts
pedagogy
social influence
intellectual conformity
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it better to teach correct thinking or independent thought?
- What are the risks of aligning with popular delusion?
A Different Perspective
Emphasizing conformity can suppress creativity.