It is among the commonplaces of education that we often first cut off the living root and then try to replace its natural functions by artificial means. Thus we suppress the child's curiosity and then when he lacks a natural interest in learning he is offered special coaching for his scholastic coaching for his scholastic difficulties. Alice Duer Miller
About This Quote

The quote “It is among the commonplaces of education that we often first cut off the living root and then try to replace its natural functions by artificial means” is saying that it is commonly believed that children are told at a very young age that they should not ask questions. This is because if they do they will be punished or labelled as stupid or lazy. The children are encouraged to learn at their own pace, but are never given the opportunity to learn for themselves. Eventually, they end up with severe issues with learning, particularly in school.

Some Similar Quotes
  1. A DEFINITION NOT FOUND IN THE DICTIONARY Not leaving: an act of trust and love, often deciphered by children - Markus Zusak
  2. When God Created Mothers"When the Good Lord was creating mothers, He was into His sixth day of "overtime" when the angel appeared and said. "You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one." And God said, "Have you read the specs on this order?"... - Erma Bombeck
  3. The soul is healed by being with children. - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
  4. The only love that I really believe in is a mother’s love for her children. - Karl Lagerfeld
  5. I don't remember who said this, but there really are places in the heart you don't even know exist until you love a child. - Anne Lamott
More Quotes By Alice Duer Miller
  1. Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give values to survival.
  2. It is among the commonplaces of education that we often first cut off the living root and then try to replace its natural functions by artificial means. Thus we suppress the child's curiosity and then when he lacks a natural interest in learning he is...
  3. We are not really senseless, and we are not angels, too, But very human beings, human just as much as you. It's hard upon occasions to be forceful and sublime When you're treated as incompetents three-quarters of the time.
  4. Mother, what is a Feminist?""A feminist, my daughter, Is any woman now who cares To think about her own affairs As men don't think she oughter.
  5. When men in Congress come to blows at somemthing someone said, I always notice that it shows their blood is quick and red; But if two women disagree, with very little noise, It proves, and this seems strange to me, that women have no poise.
Related Topics