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I was not much interested in school, and both at secondary…

“I was not much interested in school, and both at secondary school and at university, I only just scraped through, with as little effort as I judged possible without failing.” quote by Nikolaas Tinbergen
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“I was not much interested in school, and both at secondary school and at university, I only just scraped through, with as little effort as I judged possible without failing.”

Nikolaas Tinbergen

About This Quote

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

He minimized effort in education, doing just enough to avoid failure.

In simple terms: He barely tried in school.

Key Takeaway

Avoid complacency; seek deeper learning.

Themes

education effort achievement

Mood

reflective critical

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • academic performance
  • career development
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

motivation self‑discipline

Questions to Reflect On

  • What could you achieve with more effort?
  • How does low effort affect self‑esteem?
A Different Perspective

Minimal effort limits potential and future opportunities.

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