Character Quote by Plato
“... for this discovery of yours will create forgetfulness in the learners' souls, because they will not use their memories; they will trust to the external written characters and not remember of themselves.”
About This Quote
The quote warns that reliance on external records erodes internal memory, making learners dependent on written texts rather than personal recollection.
In simple terms: External reliance weakens internal memory.
Key Takeaway
Overdependence on external sources diminishes personal recall.
Themes
memory
learning
technology
knowledge
dependence
Mood
contemplative
cautionary
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- students using textbooks
- researchers citing sources
- people relying on GPS
- employees using manuals
- readers consulting online articles
Key Concepts
cognitive offloading
epistemology
education
Practical Applications
- design curricula that balance reading with recall exercises
- develop tools that prompt active memory retrieval
Questions to Reflect On
- How does reliance on external media shape our sense of knowledge?
- What strategies can preserve memory while using external references?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that external aids free mental capacity for higher-order thinking, rather than causing forgetfulness.
