Philosophers have long conceded, however, that every man has two educators: 'that which is given to him, and the other that which he gives himself. Of the two kinds the latter is by far the more desirable. Indeed all that is most worthy in man he must work out and conquer for himself. It is that which constitutes our real and best nourishment. What we are merely taught seldom nourishes the mind like that which we teach ourselves. Carter G. Woodson
About This Quote

The quote above is from writer Leo Tolstoy. It’s part of a section on education in his book "What Is Art?". Tolstoy talks about the difference between being taught things and learning things. He says that often what we are taught at school has no value to us, but that the things we learn by ourselves are what brings meaning to our lives.

Source: The Miseducation Of The Negro

Some Similar Quotes
  1. Because I trust in the ever-changing climate of the heart. (At least, today I feel that way.) I think it is necessary to have many experiences for the sake of feeling something; for the sake of being challenged, and for the sake of being expressive,... - Jason Mraz

  2. The past has no power over the present moment. - Eckhart Tolle

  3. It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. - Confucius

  4. Often, it’s not about becoming a new person, but becoming the person you were meant to be, and already are, but don’t know how to be. - Heath L. Buckmaster

  5. Art is unquestionably one of the purest and highest elements in human happiness. It trains the mind through the eye, and the eye through the mind. As the sun colors flowers, so does art color life. - John Lubbock

More Quotes By Carter G. Woodson
  1. If you can control a man's thinking you do not have to worry about his action. When you determine what a man shall think you do not have to concern yourself about what he will do. If you make a man feel that he is...

  2. Philosophers have long conceded, however, that every man has two educators: 'that which is given to him, and the other that which he gives himself. Of the two kinds the latter is by far the more desirable. Indeed all that is most worthy in man...

  3. History shows that it does not matter who is in power or what revolutionary forces take over the government, those who have not learned to do for themselves and have to depend solely on others never obtain any more rights or privileges in the end...

  4. Let us banish fear. We have been in this mental state for three centuries. I am a radical. I am ready to act, if I can find brave men to help me.

  5. You cannot serve people by giving them orders as to what to do. The real servant of the people must live among them, think with them, feel for them, and die for them.. The servant of the people, unlike the leader, is not on a...

Related Topics