Nature without learning is like a blind man; learning without Nature, like a maimed one; practice without both, incomplete. As in agriculture a good soil is first sought for, then a skilful husbandman, and then good seed; in the same way nature corresponds to the soil, the teacher to the husbandman, precepts and instruction to the seed.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the interdependence of nature and learning for complete development.
Plutarch's quote articulates the essential relationship between nature and learning, suggesting that true understanding and growth require both elements. Just as good agriculture relies on fertile soil, skilled farming, and quality seeds, the pursuit of knowledge must be grounded in real-world experiences and guided by effective teaching. Without these components, one's development remains incomplete, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to education.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of experiential learning in education.
Sometimes small incidents, rather than glorious exploits, give us the best evidence of character. So, as portrait painters are more exact in doing the face, where the character is revealed, than the rest of the body, I must be allowed to give my more particular attention to the marks of the souls of men.
It were better to have no opinion of God at all than such a one as is unworthy of him; for the one is only belief - the other contempt.
Come back with your shield - or on it
The richest soil, if uncultivated, produces the rankest weeds.
For the correct analogy for the mind is not a vessel that needs filling, but wood that needs igniting.
Our senses through ignorance of Reality, falsely tell us that what appears to be, is. FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real
Excellence is a better teacher than mediocrity. The lessons of the ordinary are everywhere. Truly profound and original insights are to be found only in studying the exemplary.
To put it simply, school readiness means creating in this country a public love of children.
Because I don't have to be careful of people's feelings when I teach literature, and I do when I'm teaching writing.
There's so much more to tell about Africa than the usual stories about war, famine and disease.
When I was in the Peace Corps I never made a phone call. I was in Central Africa; I didn't make a phone call for two years. I was in Uganda for another four years and I didn't make a phone call. So for six years I didn't make a phone call, but I wrote letters, I wrote short stories, I wrote books.
The hardest thing to teach young writers is that it's wonderful to tell your truth. And that's what you should do. But it damn well better be beautiful.
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