Children Quote by Talbot Mundy
““Teach a child arithmetic," he said at last, "and he can use it to cheat with, can't he? Teach a man the laws and forces of the universe, and he can turn them against his teacher, can't he? Give a child a box of matches, and there will always be some one to show him how to set fire to a house. Teach me spiritual knowledge, and for every one desire to use it rightly I shall have a thousand impulses to do the wrong thing. Persistence in thinking the wrong thing makes a man a fool if he is untaught and a dugpa if he knows too much. Do you think you know enough to be a dugpa?””
About This Quote
Teaching knowledge without wisdom can lead to misuse and harm.
In simple terms: Knowledge without ethical guidance can be dangerous.
Key Takeaway
Pair learning with moral responsibility.
Themes
education
ethics
power
Mood
cautionary
thought‑provoking
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- teaching children
- training professionals
- public policy
- science communication
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
technology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure knowledge is used responsibly?
- What safeguards can prevent misuse?
A Different Perspective
Not all knowledge is inherently harmful; context matters.
