Answers Quote by Marston Bates
““All children are curious and I wonder by what process this trait becomes developed in some and suppressed in others. I suspect again that schools and colleges help in the suppression insofar as they meet curiosity by giving the answers, rather than by some method that leads from narrower questions to broader questions. It is hard to satisfy the curiosity of a child, and even harder to satisfy the curiosity of a scientist, and methods that meet curiosity with satisfaction are thus not apt to foster the development of the child into the scientist. I don't advocate turning all children into professional scientists, although I think there would be advantages if all adults retained something of the questioning attitude, if their curiosity were less easily satisfied by dogma, of whatever variety.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Role of Curiosity in Education, 1970s
Curiosity thrives when questions lead to further inquiry, not when answers are simply given; education should nurture questioning rather than suppress it.
In simple terms: Curiosity grows with open-ended questioning, not quick answers.
Key Takeaway
Encourage deeper questioning in teaching.
Themes
education
curiosity
learning
critical thinking
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- classroom teaching
- parental guidance
- science outreach
- curriculum design
Key Concepts
Socratic method
intrinsic motivation
cognitive development
Questions to Reflect On
- How can teachers balance providing knowledge and fostering inquiry?
- What practices keep curiosity alive in adulthood?
A Different Perspective
If answers are provided too readily, curiosity may diminish.
