--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: From the time we begin school, if not…" description: "\"From the time we begin school, if not sooner, we are taught to be blind to our assets and only see our deficits. We are carefully marked on how many we..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a73/dawna-markova-19652_adults_from-the-time-we-begin-school-if-not-soo_2633277.png" --- # From the time we begin school, if not sooner, we are… ![“From the time we begin school, if not sooner, we are taught to be blind to our assets and only see our deficits. We are carefully marked on how many we got wrong on a test and, rarely if ever, asked how we know how to spell the ones we got right. By the time we are adults, we are well versed in…” quote by Dawna Markova](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a73/dawna-markova-19652_adults_from-the-time-we-begin-school-if-not-soo_2633277.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a73/dawna-markova-19652_adults_from-the-time-we-begin-school-if-not-soo_2633277.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a73/dawna-markova-19652_adults_from-the-time-we-begin-school-if-not-soo_2633277.png) > “From the time we begin school, if not sooner, we are taught to be blind to our assets and only see our deficits. We are carefully marked on how many we got wrong on a test and, rarely if ever, asked how we know how to spell the ones we got right. By the time we are adults, we are well versed in every one of our limitations, skilled in our incompetence. If we were fish in an aquarium, it would be as if we kept smashing against the glass, and forgot the fact that we were perfectly capable of turning ever so slightly and swimming gracefully in the water all around us.” [Dawna Markova](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dawna-markova/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Society emphasizes flaws over strengths, leading to a mindset that overlooks innate abilities and potential. **In simple terms:** We focus on deficits, ignoring assets. Key Takeaway Recognize and nurture your strengths. Themes self‑esteem education mindset Mood reflective motivational Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - school assessment - career development - personal coaching Key Concepts growth mindset self‑awareness Questions to Reflect On - How can you shift focus to strengths? - What assets have you ignored? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on deficits can cause anxiety and low confidence. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Adults](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adults/) [Blind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/blind/) [Education](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/education/) [Facts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/facts/) [Incompetence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/incompetence/) [Limitation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/limitation/) [School](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/school/) [Tests](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tests/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) [Water](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/water/) ## Related quotes > [I never taught a blind/deaf chick to read, but somehow I've managed to turn Scrubs into a watchable show. 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