Some recent philosophers seem to have given their moral approval to these deplorable verdicts that affirm that the intelligence of an individual is a fixed quantity, a quantity that cannot be augmented. We must protest and react against this brutal pessimism; we will try to demonstrate that it is founded on nothing.
Interpretation
This quote challenges the notion that intelligence is unchangeable and criticizes those who accept this view.
Alfred Binet expresses concern over a philosophical perspective that regards individual intelligence as a static trait, implying that some recent thinkers unjustly moralize this idea. He argues for a reaction against this 'brutal pessimism' and seeks to show that this belief lacks a solid foundation, encouraging a view of intelligence as something that can be developed and improved.
In practice
In a discussion about educational reform, this quote can highlight the importance of fostering growth in intelligence.
A few modern philosopher's assert that an individual's intelligence is a fixed quantity, a quantity which cannot be increased. We must protest and react against this brutal pessimism.... With practice, training, and above all, method, we manage to increase our attention, our memory, our judgment and literally to become more intelligent than we were before.
Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore?
Everything happens for a reason and a purpose, and it serves you.
An admiral without ships, a hand without fingers, in service of a king without a throne. Is this a knight who comes before us, or the answer to a child's riddle?
People don't remember me. Really. It's not a paranoid thing; I just have this habit of slipping through memories. It doesn't bother me all that much, except I guess that's a lie; it does. For some reason, I test very high on forgettability.
I hate to see complacency prevail in our lives when it's so directly contrary to the teaching of Christ.
If you are an adult, you are responsible for your life and well-being. No one owes you the fulfillment of your needs or wants; no one is here on earth to serve you. If you respect the principle of self-ownership, you understand that no one else owns you and that you do not own anyone else. Only on this understanding can there be peace on earth and good will among human beings.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.