Books Quote by John Bates Clark
“As the work progresses the careful reader will insert mental interrogation points here and there. He will find that his interest increases as the interrogation points become more frequent, and that it culminates where they are changed to marks of positive dissent. I venture to record the opinion that the value of the work reaches a maximum in a passage that is demonstrably incorrect.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Value of Critical Inquiry, John Bates Clark, 1910
Introducing questioning points engages readers, increasing interest and leading to deeper insight, especially when correcting errors.
In simple terms: Ask questions to boost engagement and improve work.
Key Takeaway
Use strategic questioning to enhance understanding.
Themes
education
critical thinking
writing
philosophy
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
academic
inspirational
When to use this quote
- classroom discussions
- peer review
- editorial revisions
- self‑study sessions
Key Concepts
Socratic method
error correction
cognitive engagement
Questions to Reflect On
- When does questioning become counterproductive?
- How can we balance inquiry with narrative coherence?
A Different Perspective
Over‑questioning may disrupt flow or cause confusion.
