Adults Quote by Benjamin Franklin
“I think also, that general virtue is more probably to be expected and obtained from the education of youth, than from exhortations of adult persons; bad habits and vices of the mind being, like diseases of the body, more easily prevented than cured. I think moreover, that talents for the education of youth are the gift of God; and that he on whom they are bestowed, whenever a way is opened for use of them, is as strongly called as if he heard a voice from heaven.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Advice to a Young Man, 1748, The Pennsylvania Gazette
Education shapes moral character more effectively than adult preaching; early habits are easier to correct than entrenched vices.
In simple terms: Teach youth well; early habits are easier to fix.
Key Takeaway
Focus on early moral education to prevent later problems.
Themes
education
morality
prevention
development
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
advisory
ethical
When to use this quote
- parenting
- school curricula
- mentoring programs
Key Concepts
habit formation
ethical training
divine gifts
Questions to Reflect On
- What role should families play in early education?
- How can society support moral development?
A Different Perspective
Changing adult attitudes alone may not reach youth effectively.
![“Although virtue receives some of its excellencies from nature, yet it is perfected by education. [Lat., Virtus, etiamsi quosdam impetus a natura sumit, tamen perficienda doctrina est.]” quote by Quintilian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/eb5/quintilian-7306_character_although-virtue-receives-some-of-its-exc_1135158.jpg)
![“He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.” quote by Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cf/katherine-paterson-2365_adults_he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-s_6101.jpg)
