Civilization is first of all a moral thing. Without truth, respect for duty, love of neighbor, and virtue, everything is destroyed. The morality of a society is alone the basis of civilization.
Henri Frederic AmielRead
It is by teaching that we teach ourselves, by relating that we observe, by affirming that we examine, by showing that we look, by writing that we think, by pumping that we draw water into the well.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Teaching others is a way to deepen our own understanding and reflect on our knowledge.
This quote by Henri Frederic Amiel emphasizes the cyclical nature of learning and teaching. It suggests that through the act of teaching, we not only impart knowledge but also reinforce and clarify our own understanding. Each action described in the quote highlights the interconnectedness of learning and sharing, illustrating that true comprehension arises from engagement and reflection.
Themes
TeachingLearningKnowledgeReflectionEducation
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about the importance of teaching in personal development.
More from Henri Frederic Amiel
All quotes →Man never knows what he wants; he aspires to penetrate mysteries and as soon as he has, wants to re-establish them. Ignorance irritates him and knowledge cloys.
Henri Frederic AmielRead
Truth is not only violated by falsehood; it may be equally outraged by silence.
Henri Frederic AmielRead
Any landscape is a condition of the spirit.
Henri Frederic AmielRead
True love is that which ennobles the personality, fortifies the heart, and sanctifies the existence.
Henri Frederic AmielRead
A man must be able to cut a knot, for everything cannot be untied; he must know how to disengage what is essential from the detail in which it is enwrapped, for everything cannot be equally considered; in a word, he must be able to simplify his duties, his business and his life.
Henri Frederic AmielRead
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