No one can deny the genius of Einstein in the area of physics, but did you know that he also had some unique insights on the workings of the mind?
Being that he spent many years working as a professor in both Germany and the United States, he certainly had plenty of experience teaching. This more than likely led him to his understanding of how the mind learns and functions.
What follows is a list of some Einstein quotes that reveal his thoughts on teaching, learning, and the mind. I hope they provide you with some enlightenment on learning as well as inspiration for teaching your children.
Einstein Quotes on Teaching and Learning
On Teaching
“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”
“Teaching should be such that what is offered is perceived as a valuable gift and not as a hard duty.”
“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”
“Example isn’t another way to teach, it is the only way to teach.”
“I never teach my pupils. I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.”
On Mistakes
“A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.”
On Formal Education
“Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.”
“Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.”
“The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.”
“It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education.”
On Curiosity
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.”
“I have no particular talent. I am merely inquisitive.”
On Learning
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is to not stop questioning.”
On Knowledge
“We know nothing at all. All our knowledge is but the knowledge of schoolchildren. The real nature of things we shall never know.”
“Imagination is more important than knowledge.”
“The only source of knowledge is experience.”
“Knowledge of what is does not open the door directly to what should be.”
“Information is not knowledge.”
“Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
On Intellect
“We should take care not to make the intellect our god; it has, of course powerful muscles, but no personality.”
“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”
On Creativity
“To stimulate creativity, one must develop the childlike inclination for play and the childlike desire for recognition.”
“The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.”
On the Mind
“The intuitive mind is a sacred gift, the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.”
On Genius
“Every child is born a genius.”
Did these Einstein quotes enlighten and inspire you? If so, you are welcome to share them with others you know.