Accidents Quote by John Dewey
“The breakdown of Plato's philosophy is made apparent in the fact that he could not trust to gradual improvements in education to bring about a better society which should then improve education, and so on indefinitely. Correct education could not come into existence until an ideal state existed, and after that education would be devoted simply to its conservation. For the existence of this state he was obliged to trust to some happy accident by which philosophic wisdom should happen to coincide with possession of ruling power in the state.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophical Essay: Education and Society, 1916
Plato believed that education could only thrive in an ideal state, implying that without perfect governance, educational reforms are futile.
In simple terms: Education depends on ideal governance.
Key Takeaway
Improve society to improve education.
Themes
education
governance
idealism
philosophy
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- Policy making
- school administration
- community development
- reform movements
Key Concepts
Political theory
education reform
Questions to Reflect On
- Can education progress without an ideal state?
- What reforms work in imperfect societies?
A Different Perspective
Ideal states are rarely achievable, limiting practical application.
