If the pupil proves to be of so perverse a disposition…
““If the pupil proves to be of so perverse a disposition that he would rather listen to some idle tale than to the account of a glorious voyage or to a wise conversation, when he hears one; if he turns away from the drum-beat that awakens young ardour in his comrades, to listen to another tattoo that summons him to a display of juggling; if he does not fervently feel it to be pleasanter and sweeter to return from a wrestling-match, dusty but victorious, with the prize in his hand, than from a game of tennis or a ball, I can see no other remedy that for his tutor to strangle him before it is too late, if there are no witnesses.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage warns that a student who prefers frivolous distractions over serious learning must be corrected decisively, lest he waste his potential.
In simple terms: A lazy student needs firm correction to avoid ruin.
Key Takeaway
Intervene early with firm guidance.
Themes
education
discipline
learning
distraction
potential
Mood
concerned
serious
Type
advice
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- classroom teaching
- parental guidance
- self‑study
- mentorship
- curriculum design
Key Concepts
human nature
self‑control
pedagogy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance discipline with encouragement?
- What alternatives exist to harsh punishment?
A Different Perspective
If the student is forced too harshly, it may breed resentment and resistance.