When passions and appetites are stronger than the intellect, men are savages; when the intellect governs the passions, when the passions are servants, men are civilized. The people need education - facts - philosophy.
Robert Green IngersollRead
Avoid demonizing television, computer games, and new technologies. Electronic media may compete for kids' attention, but we're not going to get kids reading by badmouthing other entertainment. Admit that TV and games can do things books can't.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the value of various forms of media instead of criticizing them, especially in relation to engaging children in reading.
Jon Scieszka suggests that rather than condemning modern entertainment platforms like television and video games, we should recognize their inherent value and how they can engage children in unique ways. He argues that by denouncing these mediums, we fail to create a positive environment that encourages reading; instead, we should embrace the strengths of different media in order to foster a love for literature among youth.
Themes
MediaReadingEntertainmentChildrenTechnology
In practice
Example use cases
In a school assembly focused on promoting literacy, this quote can be used to emphasize the importance of integrating technology in education.
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