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And an educated mind is nothing but the God-given mind of…

“And an educated mind is nothing but the God-given mind of a child after his parents' and his grandparents' generation have got through molding it. We can't help teaching you; you will ask that of us; but we are prone to teach you what we know, and I am going, now and again, to warn you: Remember…” quote by Lincoln Steffens
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“And an educated mind is nothing but the God-given mind of a child after his parents' and his grandparents' generation have got through molding it. We can't help teaching you; you will ask that of us; but we are prone to teach you what we know, and I am going, now and again, to warn you: Remember we really don't know anything. Keep your baby eyes (which are the eyes of genius) on what we don't know. That is your playground, bare and graveled, safe and unbreakable.”

Lincoln Steffens

About This Quote

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

A child’s untainted mind, shaped by generations, retains innate curiosity; we must acknowledge our ignorance and preserve that wonder.

In simple terms: Preserve childlike curiosity despite learned knowledge.

Key Takeaway

Embrace humility and keep questioning.

Themes

humility curiosity learning generational influence

Mood

reflective inquisitive

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • education
  • personal development
  • creative exploration

Key Concepts

Epistemology innocence growth

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you maintain wonder in daily life?
  • What does “baby eyes” mean to you?
A Different Perspective

We often overestimate our knowledge, limiting true discovery.

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