Roger Ascham: 'There is no such whetstone, to sharpen a good wit and encourage a will to learning, as is praise.'

There is no such whetstone, to sharpen a good wit and encourage a will to learning, as is praise.

In his famous quote, Roger Ascham emphasizes the importance of praise as a powerful tool for sharpening one's intellect and fostering a genuine desire for learning. He suggests that there is no better motivator than praise when it comes to stimulating a person's intellectual curiosity and fueling their determination to acquire knowledge. At its core, Ascham's quote speaks to the human need for validation, recognition, and encouragement to thrive in the pursuit of knowledge.Praise, as Ascham suggests, serves as a whetstone for the mind—something that hones and refines our intellectual capacity. It acts as a catalyst, propelling us towards a deeper understanding of the subjects we engage with. When we receive praise for our accomplishments, whether it be commendations for a well-written essay or recognition for an insightful analysis, our confidence soars. This motivational boost instills in us a sense of pride and fulfillment, reinforcing our commitment to further exploration and learning.The power of praise lies not only in its ability to bolster self-esteem but also in its capacity to enhance our cognitive abilities. When we receive acknowledgment for our achievements, our brain releases neurotransmitters like dopamine, which are responsible for motivation and reward response. This flood of dopamine not only creates a positive emotional state but also enhances our cognitive functions, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. As a result, praise becomes a catalyst for intellectual growth and improvement.However, while praise can undoubtedly ignite a fire within us, it is also essential to consider the potential limitations of relying solely on external validation. Praise, if solely relied upon, can create a dependency on others for motivation and hinder the development of an intrinsic desire to learn. If we become solely focused on seeking praise from others, we may lose sight of the joy of learning itself.Therefore, in addition to the concept of praise as a whetstone for intellect, we can introduce an unexpected philosophical concept: the pursuit of knowledge for its intrinsic value. This concept emphasizes the need to find a balance between external validation and a genuine love of learning. Instead of solely seeking praise, we should strive to develop an inner drive by recognizing the inherent beauty and fulfillment that comes from expanding our knowledge and understanding.When we engage in learning for its own sake, driven by curiosity and passion, we tap into a deep well of intellectual fulfillment. The pursuit of knowledge becomes not a means to an end, driven by grades or praise, but an ongoing journey that embraces the beauty of continuous growth. In this way, our pursuit of knowledge becomes self-sustaining, allowing us to cultivate a lifelong love for learning.To conclude, Roger Ascham's quote speaks volumes about the role of praise as a powerful motivator for sharpening the mind and fostering a genuine love for learning. Praise acts as a whetstone, honing our intellectual capabilities, and encouraging us to delve deeper into various subjects. However, it is important to strike a balance between external validation and intrinsic motivation. By nurturing a love for learning itself, we can find joy and fulfillment that far surpasses the fleeting rewards of praise.