Children Quote by John Steinbeck
“We have not known a single great scientist who could not discourse freely and interestingly with a child. Can it be that haters of clarity have nothing to say, have observed nothing, have no clear picture of even their own fields?”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Literary Magazine, 1950
Great scientists engage with children openly, showing clarity; those who avoid clarity lack substance.
In simple terms: Scientists who talk clearly with kids are truly great.
Encourage clear, childlike curiosity in scientific discourse.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- classroom teaching
- science outreach
- media interviews
- parent‑child discussions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you simplify your research for a child?
- What does clarity reveal about knowledge?
Not all scientists are comfortable simplifying complex ideas for lay audiences.