Psychoanalysis cannot be considered a method of education if by education we mean the topiary art of clipping a tree into a beautiful artificial shape. But those who have a higher conception of education will prize most the method of cultivating a tree so that it fulfils to perfection its own natural conditions of growth.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the distinction between two approaches to education. While psychoanalysis may not fit into the conventional idea of shaping individuals into a specific form, it recognizes the value of nurturing personal growth and potential. It suggests that true education lies in understanding and cultivating the natural inclinations and instincts of an individual, rather than molding them into societal expectations. Education, in this perspective, focuses on enabling individuals to become their authentic selves, enabling them to thrive in their own unique ways.

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