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With regard to moral rules, the child submits more or less…

“With regard to moral rules, the child submits more or less completely in intention to the rules laid down for him, but these, remaining, as it were, external to the subject's conscience, do not really transform his conduct.” quote by Jean Piaget
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“With regard to moral rules, the child submits more or less completely in intention to the rules laid down for him, but these, remaining, as it were, external to the subject's conscience, do not really transform his conduct.”

Jean Piaget

About This Quote

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

Children follow rules without internalizing them, so external rules alone don’t change behavior.

In simple terms: Rules alone don’t change behavior.

Key Takeaway

Encourage internal moral reasoning.

Themes

development morality education

Mood

reflective inquisitive

Type

educational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • school curricula
  • character education

Key Concepts

internalization autonomy ethical development

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we foster internal moral conviction?
  • What experiences help children own ethical principles?
A Different Perspective

External rules may be ignored if not personally meaningful.

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