Education Quote by Thomas Szasz
“Every act of conscious learning requires the willingness to suffer an injury to one's self-esteem. That is why young children, before they are aware of their own self-importance, learn so easily; and why older persons, especially if vain or important, cannot learn at all.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Myth of Mental Illness, Thomas Szasz, 1961
Learning requires risking self-esteem; children learn because they lack self-importance.
In simple terms: Learning can hurt ego.
Embrace vulnerability to learn.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- classroom settings
- personal development
- career training
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What protects your self-esteem?
- How can you lower defenses to learn?
Adults may resist learning due to pride.