Approval Quote by Alfred Binet
“Some recent philosophers seem to have given their moral approval to these deplorable verdicts that affirm that the intelligence of an individual is a fixed quantity, a quantity that cannot be augmented. We must protest and react against this brutal pessimism; we will try to demonstrate that it is founded on nothing.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Psychology of Intelligence, Alfred Binet, 1905
The quote argues that intelligence is not a fixed trait and rejects deterministic views that limit personal growth.
In simple terms: Intelligence can grow, not static.
Key Takeaway
Challenge fixed‑mindset beliefs.
Themes
education
growth mindset
psychology
determinism
Mood
hopeful
determined
Type
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- school curricula
- workplace training
- personal development
- public policy
Key Concepts
Neuroplasticity
incremental theory
self‑efficacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we measure intelligence growth?
- What policies support lifelong learning?
A Different Perspective
Critics say some abilities have biological limits.
![“I wish that one would be persuaded that psychological experiments, especially those on the complex functions, are not improved [by large studies]; the statistical method gives only mediocre results; some recent examples demonstrate that. The American authors, who love to do things big, often…” quote by Alfred Binet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8cd/alfred-binet-37082_american-author_i-wish-that-one-would-be-persuaded-that_712063.jpg)
