Accounts Quote by Bertrand Russell
“It will be said that the joy of mental adventure must be rare, that there are few who can appreciate it, and that ordinary education can take no account of so aristocratic a good. I do not believe this. The joy of mental adventure is far commoner in the young than in grown men and women. ...It is rare in later life because everything is done to kill it during education.”
About This Quote
The thrill of intellectual exploration is more prevalent among youth, but formal education often suppresses it, making it seem rare in adulthood.
In simple terms: Education can stifle curiosity.
Key Takeaway
Preserve curiosity beyond school.
Themes
education
curiosity
age
intellectual freedom
learning
youth
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
hopeful
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- school curricula
- career development
- adult learning
- personal growth
Key Concepts
mental adventure
aristocratic good
education's impact
Practical Applications
- designing curiosity-friendly curricula
- creating lifelong learning programs
Questions to Reflect On
- How can institutions nurture curiosity?
- What habits sustain mental adventure in adulthood?
A Different Perspective
Some argue structured education provides tools that channel curiosity constructively, rather than killing it.
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)
