Every act of conscious learning requires the willingness to suffer an injury to one's self-esteem. That is why young children, before they are aware of their own self-importance, learn so easily.

Summary

This quote by Thomas Szasz suggests that learning requires accepting the possibility of making mistakes and facing challenges, which can sometimes bruise one's self-esteem. Young children, who are not yet burdened by their ego or a fear of failure, embrace this process more effortlessly. As children grow older and become more self-conscious, the fear of judgment and preserving their self-importance can hinder their ability to learn and adapt. Therefore, being willing to experience setbacks and humbling moments becomes crucial in order to foster conscious learning at any age.

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