Historically, absolute IQ scores have risen substantially as we've changed our environment so that more people go to school longer. Alison Gopnik absolutechangeenvironment 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 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
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
Overall, female scientists have fewer resources than male scientists, just as poor people have less access to health care. But if you compare male and female scientists with identical resources, you find that the women are just as likely to be successful. Alison Gopnik accesscarecompare share on social
The real excitement is collaborating with computer scientists and neuroscientists and starting to understand in detail how children learn so much so quickly. Alison Gopnik childcollaboratecomputer Change image and 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
Asking questions is what brains were born to do, at least when we were young children. For young children, quite literally, seeking explanations is as deeply rooted a drive as seeking food or water. Alison Gopnik bearbrainchild Change image and share on social
