A theory not only explains the world we see, it lets us imagine other worlds, and, even more significantly, lets us act to create those worlds. Developing everyday theories, like scientific theories, has allowed human beings to change the world. Alison Gopnik actallowbeing share on social
The radio was an improvement on the telegraph but it didn't have the same exponential, transformative effect. Alison Gopnik effectexponentialimprovement Change image and share on social
Adults often assume that most learning is the result of teaching and that exploratory, spontaneous learning is unusual. But actually, spontaneous learning is more fundamental. Alison Gopnik adultassumeexploratory Change image and share on social
What we want in students is creativity and a willingness to fail. I always say to students, 'If you've never at some point stayed up all night talking to your new boyfriend about the meaning of life instead of preparing for the test, then you're not really an intellectual.' Alison Gopnik boyfriendcreativityfail share on social
We fear death so profoundly, not because it means the end of our body, but because it means the end of our consciousness - better to be a spirit in Heaven than a zombie on Earth. Alison Gopnik bodyconsciousnessdeath Change image and share on social
We say that children are bad at paying attention, but we really mean that they're bad at not paying attention - they easily get distracted by anything interesting. Alison Gopnik attentionbadchild Change image and share on social
What makes knowledge automatic is what gets you to Carnegie Hall - practice, practice, practice. Alison Gopnik automaticcarnegiehall Change image and share on social
Imagine if baseball were taught the way science is taught in most inner-city schools. Schoolchildren would get lectures about the history of the World Series. High school students would occasionally reproduce famous plays of the past. Nobody would get in the game themselves until graduate school. Alison Gopnik baseballcityfamous share on social
Successful creative adults seem to combine the wide-ranging exploration and openness we see in children with the focus and discipline we see in adults. Alison Gopnik adultchildcombine Change image and share on social
For better or worse, we live in possible worlds as much as actual ones. We are cursed by that characteristically human guilt and regret about what might have been in the past. But that may be the cost for our ability to hope and plan for what might be in the future. Alison Gopnik abilityactualbadly share on social