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Book Quote by Alfred North Whitehead

“Whenever a text-book is written of real educational worth, you may be quite certain that some reviewer will say that it will be difficult to teach from it. Of course it will be difficult to teach from it. It it were easy, the book ought to be burned.” quote by Alfred North Whitehead
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“Whenever a text-book is written of real educational worth, you may be quite certain that some reviewer will say that it will be difficult to teach from it. Of course it will be difficult to teach from it. It it were easy, the book ought to be burned.”

Alfred North Whitehead

About This Quote

Source Lecture: Philosophy of Education, 1920s

Educational works of true value are inherently challenging; ease would indicate lack of depth.

In simple terms: Good textbooks are hard to teach.

Key Takeaway

Embrace difficulty.

Themes

education philosophy learning

Mood

reflective inquisitive

Type

educational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • teacher training
  • curriculum design
  • self‑study

Key Concepts

pedagogy epistemology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why might simplicity betray superficiality?
  • How can educators balance rigor with accessibility?
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