The introduction of the cipher 0 or the group concept was general nonsense too, and mathematics was more or less stagnating for thousands of years because nobody was around to take such childish steps.
Alexander GrothendieckRead
Discovery is the privilege of the child: the child who has no fear of being once again wrong, of looking like an idiot, of not being serious, of not doing things like everyone else.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Discovery is a unique opportunity of children, who embrace mistakes without fear or societal pressure.
In this quote, Grothendieck highlights the innate curiosity and fearless nature of children, which allows them to explore and make discoveries without the burden of adult concerns such as fear of failure or the need for conformity. This perspective emphasizes the importance of maintaining a childlike sense of wonder and openness to new ideas throughout life, suggesting that true learning and innovation come when we are unafraid to be wrong or different.
Themes
DiscoveryChildhoodFearlessnessCuriosityLearning
In practice
Example use cases
A motivational speech about embracing failure in a children's educational workshop.
More from Alexander Grothendieck
All quotes →Similar quotes
Try not to pay attention to those who will try to make life miserable for you. There will be a lot of those - in the official capacity as well as the self-appointed.
Joseph BrodskyRead
The only way the past can drag you back is if you choose to bring it with you into the present.
Marianne WilliamsonRead
The wing structure of the hornet, in relation to its weight, is not suitable for flight, but he does not know this and flies anyway.
Albert EinsteinRead
Outer achievements should be expressions of inner abundance, not compensation for inner poverty.
SangharakshitaRead
Down deep we really know our worth, but we don't have easy access to that knowledge. We need to hear praise coming from outside ourselves or we won't remember that we deserve it.
Barbara SherRead
I am alive and well and unconcerned about the rumors of my death. But if I were dead, I would be the last to know.
Paul MccartneyRead