Education Quote by Neil Postman
““Every television program must be a complete package in itself. No previous knowledge is to be required. There must not be even a hint that learning is hierarchical, that it is an edifice constructed on a foundation. The learner must be allowed to enter at any point without prejudice. This is why you shall never hear or see a television program begin with the caution that if the viewer has not seen the previous programs, this one will be meaningless. Television is a nongraded curriculum and excludes no viewer for any reason, at any time. In other words, in doing away with the idea of sequence and continuity in education, television undermines the idea that sequence and continuity have anything to do with thought itself.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Amusing Ourselves to Death, 1985
Television should present content as self-contained, allowing any viewer to understand without prior knowledge, rejecting hierarchical learning structures.
In simple terms: TV must be accessible to all, without needing previous episodes.
Key Takeaway
Design media for instant accessibility.
Themes
accessibility
media design
education
nonlinear learning
democracy
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- broadcast planning
- educational programming
- online courses
- public outreach
Key Concepts
flat curriculum
user autonomy
inclusive communication
Questions to Reflect On
- How can creators ensure inclusivity without oversimplifying?
- What are the risks of removing context entirely?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all viewers have equal background knowledge.
