Source identified
Read & copy the quotation
“The most important part of education is right training in the nursery.”
- Source
- Laws
- Date
- 4th century BCE
- Local voice
- Dialogue speaker · Athenian Stranger
- English wording
- Benjamin Jowett — Translator · from Ancient Greek
Meaning of “The most important part of education is right…”
The dialogue stresses that education begins through early habits and guided play, well before formal lessons. Its claim belongs to the plan for raising citizens in an imagined polity.
Where does it come from?
Laws, Book I, Benjamin Jowett English translation. The Athenian Stranger says this while explaining why childhood play and practical imitation should prepare future capacities; it is a program of civic upbringing, not a present-day evidence-based educational standard.
Why the local voice matters
Laws, Book I; the Athenian Stranger argues that early play and directed practice shape the future citizen.
