In "The Gardener and the Carpenter," Alison Gopnik challenges conventional parenting wisdom, illustrating the delicate balance between nurturing and shaping a child's growth. Through captivating analogies and rich research, she explores how different approaches to parenting can cultivate resilience and creativity. The book unveils the transformative power of play, emphasizing that children are not merely projects to be perfected. Instead, they are wildflowers, meant to flourish and evolve in their unique ways. With each turn of the page, readers are invited to reconsider what it truly means to guide the next generation.
By Alison Gopnik
Published: 2016
"Children are not vases to be filled, but fires to be lit."
"Alison Gopnik, a ... developmental psychologist, [examines] the paradoxes of parenthood from a scientific perspective"--
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“Children are not vases to be filled, but fires to be lit.”
The Gardener and the Carpenter
By Alison Gopnik
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Alison Gopnik is a renowned American psychologist and cognitive scientist, celebrated for her pioneering research on childhood development and learning. A professor at the University of California, Berkeley, she has authored numerous influential books, including "The Scientist in the Crib" and "The Gardener and the Carpenter," which explore the intricate ways in which young children understand the world. Gopnik's work bridges the gap between psychology and philosophy, challenging traditional views on intelligence and creativity. She is also a frequent speaker and writer, contributing to publications like The New York Times and The Atlantic. Through her research, she aims to enlighten parents and educators about the profound capabilities of young minds.
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