"Human beings are accustomed to think of intellect as the power of having and controlling ideas and of ability to learn as synonymous with ability to have ideas. But learning by having ideas is really one of the rare and isolated events in nature"
- Edward Thorndike
About this Quote
This quote by Edward Thorndike recommends that humans often relate intelligence with the capability to have and control ideas, and the ability to find out with the capability to have concepts. However, Thorndike argues that discovering by having concepts is in fact an uncommon occurrence in nature. He suggests that there are other methods of learning, such as through observation and experience, that are more typical and reliable. Thorndike's quote motivates us to believe beyond the traditional notion of intellect and to consider the different ways in which we can discover. It also highlights the importance of understanding the various methods of learning and how they can be used to our advantage.
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