Quote by John Dewey
Failure is instructive. The person who really thinks learns quite as much from his failures as from his successes. Genuine ignorance is profitable because it is likely to be accompanied by humility, curiosity, and open-mindedness; whereas ability to repeat catch-phrases, cant terms, familiar propositions, gives the conceit of learning and coats the mind with varnish waterproof to new ideas.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the educational value of failure. It suggests that true learning comes from experiencing and reflecting upon mistakes and setbacks, as much as from achieving success. The quote also highlights the benefits of genuine ignorance, suggesting that those who acknowledge their lack of knowledge tend to possess humility, curiosity, and open-mindedness. In contrast, individuals who can only regurgitate familiar ideas and phrases develop a false sense of learning and close their minds off to new perspectives and insights.
Topics
Success & Failure
By John Dewey