Argument Quote by George Polya
“Even fairly good students, when they have obtained the solution of the problem and written down neatly the argument, shut their books and look for something else. Doing so, they miss an important and instructive phase of the work. ... A good teacher should understand and impress on his students the view that no problem whatever is completely exhausted.”
About This Quote
Source Book: How to Solve It by George Polya, 1945
Students often stop after finding a solution, missing deeper analysis and generalization that solidify understanding.
In simple terms: Stopping too soon limits learning.
Key Takeaway
Explore beyond the answer.
Themes
learning
analysis
growth
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- classroom study
- self‑study
- research projects
Key Concepts
problem solving
metacognition
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you extend a solved problem?
- What patterns emerge when you revisit solutions?
A Different Perspective
Further insight requires time and effort beyond the solution.
![“Pedantry and mastery are opposite attitudes toward rules. To apply a rule to the letter, rigidly, unquestioningly, in cases where it fits and in cases where it does not fit, is pedantry. [...] To apply a rule with natural ease, with judgment, noticing the cases where it fits, and without ever…” quote by George Polya](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/927/george-polya-10766_action_pedantry-and-mastery-are-opposite-attitu_112396.jpg)
