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Aim Quote by John Dewey

“The theory of the method of knowing which is advanced in these pages may be termed pragmatic. ... Only that which has been organized into our disposition so as to enable us to adapt the environment to our needs and adapt our aims and desires to the situation in which we live is really knowledge.” quote by John Dewey
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“The theory of the method of knowing which is advanced in these pages may be termed pragmatic. ... Only that which has been organized into our disposition so as to enable us to adapt the environment to our needs and adapt our aims and desires to the situation in which we live is really knowledge.”

John Dewey

About This Quote

Source Book: Experience and Nature, John Dewey, 1925

Knowledge is what lets us shape the world and adjust our goals to fit our circumstances.

In simple terms: Knowledge lets us adapt and shape our world.

Key Takeaway

Use knowledge to align goals with reality.

Themes

pragmatism knowledge adaptation

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • education reform
  • design thinking
  • policy planning
  • personal development

Key Concepts

empiricism instrumentalism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you test if your knowledge truly serves your needs?
  • What limits does context place on what counts as knowledge?
A Different Perspective

Knowledge alone cannot guarantee ethical outcomes without reflection.

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