9 Quotes & Sayings By Edward Thorndike

Edward Lee Thorndike was a pioneer in the field of psychology. He developed a theory of memory that became known as the "law of effect," and discovered the most effective way to teach problem-solving by trial and error. His work on the law of effect led him to analyze the learning process and discovery how it works in everyday life. Thorndike's major contribution to psychology is his work on the role of habit in the learning process, an area that he called "mental engineering." He was a strong believer in making systematic mistakes when learning anything new.

1
It will, of course, be understood that directly or indirectly, soon or late, every advance in the sciences of human nature will contribute to our success in controlling human nature and changing it to the advantage of the common weal. Edward Thorndike
2
Nowhere more truly than in his mental capacities is man a part of nature. Edward Thorndike
3
Human beings are accustomed to think of intellect as the power of having and controlling ideas and of ability to learn as synonymous with ability to have ideas. But learning by having ideas is really one of the rare and isolated events in nature. Edward Thorndike
4
Just as the science and art of agriculture depend upon chemistry and botany, so the art of education depends upon physiology and psychology. Edward Thorndike
5
Psychology is the science of the intellects, characters and behavior of animals including man. Edward Thorndike
6
Human folk are as a matter of fact eager to find intelligence in animals. Edward Thorndike
7
From the lowest animals of which we can affirm intelligence up to man this type of intellect is found. Edward Thorndike
8
Human education is concerned with certain changes in the intellects, characters and behavior of men, its problems being roughly included under these four topics: Aims, materials, means and methods. Edward Thorndike