Contests Quote by Karl Jaspers
“The Socratic teacher turns his students away from himself and back onto themselves; he hides in paradoxes, makes himself inaccessible. The intimate relationship between student and teacher here is not one of submission, but of a contest for truth.”
About This Quote
Source Book: "Philosophy of Existence", Karl Jaspers, 1938
The teacher uses paradox to push students toward self‑reflection, turning learning into a dialogue rather than a lecture.
In simple terms: Teachers should provoke self‑inquiry.
Encourage students to question themselves.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- College seminars
- philosophy workshops
- personal coaching
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What questions reveal your own assumptions?
- How can paradox deepen understanding?
Students may feel confused without guidance.