Marcus Tullius CiceroWhen you wish to instruct, be brief; that men's [children's] minds take in quickly what you say, learn its lesson, and retain it faithfully. Every word that is unnecessary only pours over the side of a brimming mind.
About This Quote
"When you wish to instruct, be brief" is a quote from the English poet William Cowper. He was born in 1731 and died in 1800. He had a very simple philosophy of life that he tried to embody in his work. "I was not born for this world; my little room, its three walls, my bed, my chair, my books, are all the world to me; these are all I know or care for." This quote reflects Cowper's view of the importance of clarity in the teaching of children. Being brief will help children understand things at an early age and remember them, instead of setting them up for confusion.
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