Mankind have a great aversion to intellectual labor; but…
“Mankind have a great aversion to intellectual labor; but even supposing knowledge to be easily attainable, more people would be content to be ignorant than would take even a little trouble to acquire it.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People often avoid learning even when knowledge is accessible, preferring ignorance over effort.
In simple terms: Many choose ignorance over effort.
Key Takeaway
Encourage curiosity.
Themes
ignorance
intellectual labor
effort
knowledge
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
educational
reflective
When to use this quote
- schools
- public libraries
- online courses
- knowledge‑sharing platforms
Key Concepts
education
behavioral economics
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we resist learning?
- What incentives could promote intellectual effort?
A Different Perspective
Access does not ensure motivation.