John Lubbock: 'The important thing is not so much that every child should be taught, as that every child should be given the wish to learn.'

The important thing is not so much that every child should be taught, as that every child should be given the wish to learn.

In John Lubbock's famous quote, he asserts that the key to education lies not merely in the act of teaching every child, but in cultivating within them a genuine desire to learn. This statement emphasizes the profound significance of instilling curiosity and a thirst for knowledge in young minds. Lubbock's quote encourages us to shift our focus from the mechanics of education to the inner motivation that drives it. By doing so, we can pave the way for a lifelong love of learning that will enable children to constantly seek knowledge and grow intellectually.The importance of Lubbock's quote lies in its recognition that the desire to learn is an essential driver of education. Teaching alone cannot guarantee genuine knowledge acquisition if a child lacks the interest in absorbing new information. It is through curiosity and innate curiosity in children that the process of education becomes truly effective. When children are inspired and motivated to learn, they become active participants in their own education, engaging with subjects and ideas in a way that transcends mere passive absorption of information.However, an unexpected philosophical concept that can further enrich our understanding of Lubbock's quote is Plato's theory of knowledge as a process of recollection. According to Plato, all knowledge is innate, and learning is merely the process of remembering what the soul already knows. This notion suggests that children come into this world with an inherent capacity for learning, and it is the role of educators to awaken and nourish that dormant knowledge within them.The comparison between Lubbock's emphasis on instilling the desire to learn and Plato's theory of recollection reveals a fascinating parallel. Just as Lubbock emphasizes the importance of igniting a desire to learn within children, Plato's theory of innate knowledge implies that this desire already exists within them. Both perspectives acknowledge the fundamental role of motivation in the educational process, albeit from different angles.While Lubbock's quote focuses on the external factors that can nurture children's curiosity and drive to learn, Plato's theory delves into the internal realm and highlights how education should aim to help children access the knowledge that already resides within them. By introducing this unexpected philosophical concept, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and richness of the educational endeavor.The practical implication of Lubbock's quote, when coupled with Plato's theory, is that educators must strive not only to impart knowledge but also to awaken and stir the inherent desire for learning that lies within each child. This can be achieved through various means, including fostering a positive and stimulating learning environment, tailoring educational experiences to individual interests and strengths, and encouraging critical thinking and exploration.Ultimately, Lubbock's quote serves as a reminder that education should never be reduced to a mere transfer of information. Instead, it should kindle a lifelong passion for knowledge. By igniting the wish to learn, we empower children to become self-motivated seekers of knowledge, enabling them to continuously expand their horizons and reach their full intellectual potential. In doing so, we not only equip them with the tools to navigate an ever-changing world but also foster personal growth and development that goes beyond the confines of traditional education.