Using Quotations in the Classroom

Quotations in the Classroom

Sometimes a quotation can spark a great discussion. Let’s see if we can ignite something today. You can pose these questions to your class, accompanied by the original quotation of course or simply ponder them yourself.

“The greatest tragedy of mankind comes from the inability of people to have thoughtful disagreement to find out what’s true.”

– Ray Dalio

  • Do you agree with this statement?
  • When have you had a thoughtful disagreement?
  • Is it possible to have a friendly debate and actually change someone’s mind?
  • Has a debate or conversation ever managed to change your thoughts about a topic?

“The way to come to power is not always to merely challenge the Establishment, but first make a place in it and then challenge and double-cross the Establishment.”

– Francis Ford Coppola

I think the education system in this country needs a major overhaul. I quit teaching a few years ago because I was disheartened by the enormity of it. Yet, somehow, teaching pulled me back in. I am a teacher, by heart, and I want to affect change. I hope I can do that in a small way in my classroom. And maybe show people that there is a different way. Perhaps, we can spark a revolution.

  • What establishment do you want to change?
  • How could you do it from within the establishment?
  • Would it be easier to do it as an insider or an outsider?
  • What is one way we can change how education works in this classroom?

I can’t wait to see what kind of discussion comes from these two quotes.

I got them both from the book Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant. I wanted to show you that inspiration can come from anywhere and that some of the best teaching books aren’t even aimed at teachers.

What’s a great quote you used in the classroom?

Find a mention of this on my Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and leave a comment with your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you with other great quotes and how they can be used in the classroom.

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