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The main aim of education should be to send children out…

“The main aim of education should be to send children out into the world with a reasonably sized anthology in their heads so that, while seated on the lavatory, waiting in doctor's surgeries, on stationary trains or watching interviews with politicians, they have something interesting to think about.” quote by John Mortimer
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““The main aim of education should be to send children out into the world with a reasonably sized anthology in their heads so that, while seated on the lavatory, waiting in doctor's surgeries, on stationary trains or watching interviews with politicians, they have something interesting to think about.””

John Mortimer

About This Quote

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

Education should equip people with a broad base of knowledge to draw upon in everyday moments.

In simple terms: Teach broad knowledge for everyday conversation.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate a wide, mental anthology.

Themes

education knowledge conversation curiosity

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • waiting rooms
  • travel
  • political interviews
  • casual chats

Key Concepts

humanities generalist thinking cultural literacy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What topics would you include in your mental anthology?
  • How can you balance depth and breadth?
A Different Perspective

May overload with irrelevant facts.

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