“Rarely will you meet anyone so jealous as a teacher. Year after year students tumble along like waters of a river. They flow away, and only the teacher is left behind, like some deeply buried rock at the bottom of the current.”
Explore This Quote Further
Analysis
In this quote by Kobe Abe, the analogy of a teacher being like a "deeply buried rock at the bottom of the current" is used to emphasize the loneliness and jealousy that teachers may feel as they watch their students move on and progress in life. The comparison to a rock at the bottom of a river suggests that teachers are often left behind and forgotten as students continue on their journey. This quote highlights the bittersweet nature of teaching, where teachers invest so much time and energy into their students, only to watch them move on and leave them behind.
The Loneliness of a Teacher
Kobe Abe's quote highlights the unique experience of teachers who invest time and energy into shaping the minds of their students, only to see them move on while they remain. This sense of longing and attachment is something that many educators can relate to, making it a powerful reminder of the lasting impact teachers have on their students.
Quote Analysis
The quote by Kobe Abe reflects on the unique relationship teachers have with their students. The analogy of students flowing away like a river highlights the transient nature of student-teacher relationships.
The quote implies that teachers often form deep attachments to their students, who eventually move on while the teacher remains in the same position. This can lead to feelings of jealousy as the teacher watches their students progress and grow without them.
Reflection Questions:
Reflecting on this quote by Kobe Abe, consider the following questions:
- In what ways do you think teachers experience jealousy towards their students?
- How do you think the role of a teacher differs from that of a student in terms of longevity and impact?
- Have you ever felt left behind or forgotten as a teacher? How did you cope with these feelings?
- How can teachers find fulfillment and satisfaction in their work despite the transient nature of their students?
Similar quotes
“If from the beginning you always believed that a ticket was only one-way, then you wouldn't have to try so vainly to cling to the sand like an oyster to a rock.”
“It felt like we were reliving the first day of the school year, when students and teachers do the get-to-know-you dance—teachers tell students something about who they are, students pretend to care, and then vice-versa.”
“Everyting negative - pressure, challenges - is all an opportunity for me to rise.”
“Suicide is an escape from life. What is life? An escape from death. This means that each of us must die twice. There is the death waiting us ahead, and the death that comes pursuing us from behind. Your trouble is that you're confused, Once you are free at least from the death that comes pursuing you, you can relax and enjoy life as you go along.”
“My dowry is thirty-five. A year.” His brows climbed. “You’re joking.” “I would never joke about money with a notorious thief. Just imagine, in a mere two years you’re at a profit.” “How I adore a woman who does mathematics in her head.”“I can forge signatures as well.” “Splendid. Exactly the bride I’ve been hoping for.”
“Good things come to those who wait, but only whats left from those who hustle!”