Since in early youth it cannot be known what ends are…
““Since in early youth it cannot be known what ends are likely to occur to us in the course of life, parents seek to have their children taught a great many things, and provide for their skill in the use of means for all sorts of arbitrary ends, of none of which can they determine whether it may not perhaps hereafter be an object to determine their pupil, but which it is at all events possible that he might aim at; and this anxiety is so great that they commonly neglect to form and correct their judgement on the value of the things which may be chosen as ends.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Parents teach many skills without knowing future goals, leading to anxiety and neglect of judgment about true ends.
In simple terms: Teaching without purpose causes uncertainty.
Key Takeaway
Focus on values, not just skills.
Themes
education
uncertainty
parenting
philosophy
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
instructional
When to use this quote
- child upbringing
- career counseling
- life planning
- ethical education
Key Concepts
practical reason
autonomy
end‑means distinction
Questions to Reflect On
- What values should guide education?
- How can parents balance skill‑ and purpose‑teaching?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on skill may ignore personal meaning.