Absurd Quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
“Some persons have contended that mathematics ought to be taught by making the illustrations obvious to the senses. Nothing can be more absurd or injurious: it ought to be our never-ceasing effort to make people think, not feel.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Biographia Literaria, 1817
Mathematics should develop reasoning, not just sensory illustration; learning must provoke thought.
In simple terms: Teach math to think, not just feel.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize conceptual understanding.
Themes
education
mathematics
critical thinking
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
didactic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- classroom teaching
- curriculum design
- self‑study
- STEM education
Key Concepts
Pedagogy
cognitive development
Questions to Reflect On
- How can abstract concepts be taught without visual crutches?
- What balance of intuition and rigor is optimal?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on visual aids may limit abstract reasoning.
