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Neither parents nor schools are very effective at teaching…

“Neither parents nor schools are very effective at teaching the young to find pleasure in the right things. Adults, themselves often deluded by infatuation with fatuous models, conspire in the deception. They make serious tasks seem dull and hard, and frivolous ones exciting and easy. Schools…” quote by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
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““Neither parents nor schools are very effective at teaching the young to find pleasure in the right things. Adults, themselves often deluded by infatuation with fatuous models, conspire in the deception. They make serious tasks seem dull and hard, and frivolous ones exciting and easy. Schools generally fial to teach how exciting, how mesmerizingly beautiful science or mathematics can be; they teach the routine of literature or history rather than the adventure.””

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

About This Quote

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

Society often fails to inspire genuine interest in meaningful pursuits, making serious subjects seem dull while trivial ones appear attractive.

In simple terms: People are discouraged from finding joy in deep learning.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate curiosity for challenging subjects.

Themes

education motivation learning culture

Mood

reflective inquisitive

Type

educational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • school curricula
  • parental guidance
  • media representation
  • personal study habits

Key Concepts

Flow theory intrinsic motivation educational design

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can educators make complex topics captivating?
  • What role do role models play in shaping interests?
A Different Perspective

Not all individuals respond the same; some thrive on routine.

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