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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.” quote by Thomas Szasz
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“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.”

Thomas Szasz

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.

Key Takeaway

Embrace vulnerability to learn.

Themes

education ego growth

Mood

reflective encouraging

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • classroom settings
  • personal development
  • career training

Key Concepts

psychology developmental theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • What protects your self-esteem?
  • How can you lower defenses to learn?
A Different Perspective

Adults may resist learning due to pride.

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