“The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.”
Image credits：Aronsyne,”Lewis, age 48″,CC BY-SA 4.0,C.S.-Lewis – C. S. Lewis – Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- November 29, 1898 – November 22, 1963
- Born in Ireland
- Writer, scholar
- Had a major influence on fantasy literature and religious thought through his many works, including the Chronicles of Narnia series and The Poetics of Christianity
Quote
“The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.”
Explanation
In this quote, C. S. Lewis uses a powerful metaphor to illustrate the role of education in the modern world. Instead of focusing on eliminating or restricting existing knowledge (cutting down jungles), the true task of education is to nourish and cultivate the mind, providing it with the resources and opportunities it needs to grow and thrive (irrigating deserts). Lewis suggests that many modern educators focus on removing obstacles or restricting free thought, but the real challenge is to provide intellectual nourishment—to create an environment where students are encouraged to develop their potential, cultivate curiosity, and expand their understanding. Education, in this view, is not just about eliminating ignorance but about enabling growth, fostering a mindset that seeks knowledge and wisdom, much like watering barren land to help it flourish.
Historically, Lewis was deeply concerned with the direction of modern education, especially in the context of his time, which was marked by the rise of technocratic thinking and a focus on practicality in education. He believed that modern education systems were often too focused on training rather than nurturing intellectual and moral development. Lewis was an advocate for an education that went beyond the mere acquisition of skills or facts, and instead aimed to cultivate critical thinking, moral insight, and a sense of intellectual curiosity. In this sense, education should be more about nurturing the intellectual spirit than about simply pruning the excesses of what is already known.
In the modern context, this quote speaks to the growing concerns about education systems that emphasize standardized testing, practical outcomes, and job readiness over broad intellectual development. The image of irrigating deserts suggests that education should focus on stimulating and nurturing imagination, creativity, and critical thought in students. Instead of merely focusing on eliminating “bad” knowledge or reining in disruptive ideas, we should be enriching minds and offering them the tools to think deeply and grow into well-rounded individuals. This approach calls for a balance between teaching knowledge and encouraging personal exploration, intellectual engagement, and moral growth.
