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Single Idea 19957

[from 'The Spirit of the Laws (rev. 1757)' by Baron de Montesquieu, in 25. Social Practice / E. Policies / 5. Education / c. Teaching ]

Full Idea

It is when we instruct others that we can best practice that general virtue which teaches us to love everyone.

Gist of Idea

Teaching is the best practice of the general virtue that leads us to love everyone

Source

Baron de Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws (rev. 1757) [1748], Preface)

Book Reference

Montesquieu,Baron de: 'Selected Political Writings', ed/tr. Richter,Melvin [Hackett 1990], p.108


A Reaction

A very nice thought. One tricky issue is that some people dislike, and even resent, being taught. If we all just adored both teaching and learning, we would be in a sort of paradise, but it doesn't seem to happen.