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Is it any wonder that Socrates was outraged at the…

“Is it any wonder that Socrates was outraged at the accusation he took money to teach? Even then, philosophers saw clearly the inevitable direction the professionalization of teaching would take, that of pre-empting the teaching function, which, in a healthy community, belongs to everyone.” quote by John Taylor Gatto
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“Is it any wonder that Socrates was outraged at the accusation he took money to teach? Even then, philosophers saw clearly the inevitable direction the professionalization of teaching would take, that of pre-empting the teaching function, which, in a healthy community, belongs to everyone.”

John Taylor Gatto

About This Quote

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

A criticism of the shift from communal, shared teaching to a paid, professional class that marginalizes ordinary participation.

In simple terms: Teaching used to be a community duty, now it's a paid profession.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and support informal learning networks.

Themes

education philosophy community professionalism

Mood

critical reflective

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • public schools
  • home schooling
  • community workshops
  • online tutoring

Key Concepts

democratization of knowledge social stratification

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does professional teaching affect community knowledge?
  • Can informal learning replace formal education?
A Different Perspective

The quote may overgeneralize historical motives of Socrates.

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