Is it true that nothing worth knowing can be taught?

Question

[Oscar Wilde made me ask this question...please don't have me killed.]

Answer 1

Of course it's not true. (But we shall get to that part in just a minute) Let's first explore what Oscar Wilde obviously meant. (And I'm so thanking God you asked this instead of Marilyn vos Savant.)

When you were little, your mother told you not put your hand on th eye of the stove because it was hot. She told you this over and over again. But it was pretty. It was red. And Christmas colors were red, cherries were red, and your new roller skates were red. So how could red be bad? So you touched the hot eye of the stove and burned the heck out of your hand. Your mother sat there screaming, "I taught you never to touch that!" But in your mind you were saying......"I had to see for myself."

Oscar Wilde obviously sees that much of our learning experiences take place from "doing" rather than being taught. If we experience it, we learn from it. If we merely rely on what we are told, we don't always comprehend fully. So we must learn by doing.

But is it true that all esle is not "worth knowing?" This I can not agree with. As a teacher and as a parent, I see how different children learn in so many different ways. And it is ABSOLUTELY necessary for them to learn by doing.....yes. But, what about our place as role models? Parents and teachers that show children how to do things, why things work as they do, how to behave in certain situations, how to cope in others are teaching so many things that aren't merely worthy of knowing, they are necessary in life. I think Oscar probably realizes that a desire to learn must come from within, but the desire to teach is as well. I love taking the time to explain the smallest most insignificant fact to a child because I know that in the longrun they will remember that every time they encounter that issue.

So we'll take Oscar's theory and group it with Miss Dee's and perhaps together we can be sure that all that is worth kowing is learned by doing and teaching. :)

Answer 2

Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.
-- Oscar Wilde


It makes better sense when you use the entire quote, rather than taking a portion out of context. Oscar Wilde was trying to emphasize the importance of learning about yourself, and forming your own opinions during the persuit of higher education. It is your own opinion and belief system that cannot be taught, but is most valuable.

Great Question!

Answer 3

I have to disagree. I have been taught most everything I know or can do, though not necessarily in a classroom setting.

My mother taught me to be polite and considerate, for example, and that is definitely worth knowing! My mother also taught me how to cook, and I'm certainly glad she did, as is my husband. I'm about to have my first child, and I will definitely need some help to raise him or her to be a good person.

There are so many things that are worth knowing that someone has to teach you.

Answer 4

Who taught you that? I am just Wilde about Oscar.

Answer 5

Not true. Try welding cast iron without being taught how. Or knurling, MNotG can teach you that, as she was self-taught (while chewing gum and reading a dictionary at the same time as walking, I think).

All ropes that are used for a high-wire act need to be taught.

Answer 6

There are many things that are worth knowing that a teacher can present to a class;however, whether or not a person actually learns something is up to that individual.

Answer 7

I think first aide is worth knowing and that needs to be taught.

Answer 8

how much anyone teaches u if only u have the mind to know it then only u wil learn. more over learning by ones own experiences is the best form of learning.

Answer 9

HM makes senses but can you teach me math t+hen+ we see if

Answer 10

True.

You know what it is about I hope... Else I WILL have you shot... resurrected, hanged, quartered and imprisoned for life.

Then you will know