William Arthur Ward quote about teachers
Updated on
The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. -— William Arthur Ward
This photo of William Arthur Ward captures more than a professor’s smile—it’s a framework for persuasion. Ward’s famous quote about levels of teaching is secretly a masterclass in marketing.
From Telling to Inspiring
Marketers do the same climb.
- Mediocre ads tell facts.
- Good ads explain benefits.
- Superior ads show proof.
- Great ads inspire action.
Why It Works
- Moves from logic (explaining) to emotion (inspiring).
- Builds trust through demonstration and results.
- Sparks identity—people act when it feels like their idea.
- Turns messages into movements.
Examples
- Apple’s “Think Different” didn’t sell specs—it inspired creators.
- Nike’s “Just Do It” challenged identity, not comfort.
- Patagonia’s “Don’t Buy This Jacket” demonstrated belief, not a sale.
- Dollar Shave Club showed, joked, and inspired loyalty overnight.
Analyzed by Swipebot
Loading analysis...
