Skip to content

Doing Quote by Jean-Jacques Rousseau

“Teach by doing whenever you can, and only fall back upon words when doing it is out of the question.” quote by Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Download Open image
“Teach by doing whenever you can, and only fall back upon words when doing it is out of the question.”

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

About This Quote

Source Treatise: Emile, or On Education by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 1762

Action teaches better than words; speak only when demonstration fails.

In simple terms: Do, then speak if needed.

Key Takeaway

Act first, explain later.

Themes

learning experience communication

Mood

practical instructive

Type

educational motivational

When to use this quote

  • teaching
  • skill acquisition
  • leadership training

Key Concepts

pedagogy embodied learning

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is demonstration insufficient?
  • How do you balance action and explanation?
A Different Perspective

Not all skills can be shown; some need verbal clarity.

2.6 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Explore all 519 Jean-Jacques Rousseau quotes

More Doing quotes

Browse all 7,291 Doing quotes