Human beings are accustomed to think of intellect as the power of having and controlling ideas and of ability to learn as synonymous with ability to have ideas. But learning by having ideas is really one of the rare and isolated events in nature.

Summary

The quote suggests that humans often associate intellect and learning with the ability to possess and control ideas. However, according to the quote, this perception is flawed. It highlights that truly gaining knowledge and learning through the process of having ideas is a unique occurrence in nature, implying that it is not the primary way we acquire knowledge. The quote challenges the conventional understanding of intellect and learning, emphasizing that there are other mechanisms through which we gain knowledge and expand our understanding of the world.

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