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The sole justification of teaching, of the school itself…

“The sole justification of teaching, of the school itself, is that the student comes out of it able to do something he could not do before. I say do and not know, because knowledge that doesn't lead to doing something new or doing something better is not knowledge at all.” quote by Jacques Barzun
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“The sole justification of teaching, of the school itself, is that the student comes out of it able to do something he could not do before. I say do and not know, because knowledge that doesn't lead to doing something new or doing something better is not knowledge at all.”

Jacques Barzun

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Teaching is justified only when it enables new abilities and improvements.

In simple terms: Learning must lead to action.

Key Takeaway

Teach for practical impact.

Themes

education purpose action

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

educational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • classroom
  • skill development
  • lifelong learning
  • curriculum design

Key Concepts

pedagogy knowledge application

Questions to Reflect On

  • How to measure learning outcomes?
  • When is knowledge without immediate use valuable?
A Different Perspective

May overlook theoretical value.

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