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Children Quote by Tracy Kidder

“The problem is fundamental... It is as if a secret committee, now lost to history, has made a study of children and, having figured out what the greatest number were least disposed to declared that all of them should do it.” quote by Tracy Kidder
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“The problem is fundamental... It is as if a secret committee, now lost to history, has made a study of children and, having figured out what the greatest number were least disposed to declared that all of them should do it.”

Tracy Kidder

About This Quote

Source Book: The Big Thaw by Tracy Kidder, 1998

The quote suggests that society imposes a universal activity on children, perhaps education, without clear justification, treating them as a homogeneous group.

In simple terms: Society forces a common task on kids without clear reason.

Key Takeaway

Question the assumptions behind universal mandates.

Themes

education conformity childhood

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • school curricula
  • parental expectations
  • policy design
  • child development

Key Concepts

social engineering collective decision making

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who decides what is best for all children?
  • How can individual differences be respected?
A Different Perspective

Not all children benefit equally from the same approach.

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