He had been educated in no habits of application and concentration. The system which had addressed him in exactly the same manner as it had addressed hundreds of other boys, all varying in character and capacity, had enabled him to dash through his tasks, always with fair credit and often with distinction, but in a fitful, dazzling way that had confirmed his reliance on those very qualities in himself which it had been most desirable to direct and train. They were good qualities, without which no high place can be meritoriously won, but like fire and water, though excellent servants, they were very bad masters. If they had been under Richard’s direction, they would have been his friends; but Richard being under their direction, they became his enemies. . Charles Dickens
About This Quote

This quote is quite insightful and we can learn a lot from it. First, it shows how the educational system often turns its students into slaves, belittling their ability and giving them no chance to apply themselves or excel. The all-powerful system has no idea of the individual’s potential and does not provide any encouragement for students to succeed. If Richard had been under the control of someone who knew what he was doing, then Richard would have learned that he could indeed become a leader and that he was capable of greatness.

Source: Bleak House

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More Quotes By Charles Dickens
  1. I loved her against reason, against promise, against peace, against hope, against happiness, against all discouragement that could be.
  2. Never close your lips to those whom you have already opened your heart.
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