Teach a child arithmetic," he said at last, "and he can…
““Teach a child arithmetic," he said at last, "and he can use it to cheat with, can't he? Teach a man the laws and forces of the universe, and he can turn them against his teacher, can't he? Give a child a box of matches, and there will always be some one to show him how to set fire to a house. Teach me spiritual knowledge, and for every one desire to use it rightly I shall have a thousand impulses to do the wrong thing. Persistence in thinking the wrong thing makes a man a fool if he is untaught and a dugpa if he knows too much. Do you think you know enough to be a dugpa?””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Teaching knowledge without wisdom can lead to misuse and harm.
In simple terms: Knowledge without ethical guidance can be dangerous.
Key Takeaway
Pair learning with moral responsibility.
Themes
education
ethics
power
Mood
cautionary
thought‑provoking
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- teaching children
- training professionals
- public policy
- science communication
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
technology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure knowledge is used responsibly?
- What safeguards can prevent misuse?
A Different Perspective
Not all knowledge is inherently harmful; context matters.