The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet. — Aristotle · Smartyfair

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

Aristotle384–322 BC · philosopher · Ancient GreeceAristotle was an ancient Greek philosopher who studied nearly everything — biology, physics, poetry, and politics — and organized knowledge in ways that shaped science for centuries.6 quotes

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In plain words

Learning is hard at the start and worth it later.

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Where these words come from

How sure this is: 87% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: Diogenes Laertius, Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers (c. 3rd century CE; trans. C.D. Yonge, 1853)
Sources checked: en.wikiquote.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 20 August 2026

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More from Aristotle

Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.

Aristotle The greatest thing by far is to have a command of metaphor.

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Aristotle Nature makes nothing in vain.

Aristotle All men by nature desire to know.

More on learning

A single conversation with a wise man is worth a month's study of books.Chinese proverb Study the past if you would define the future.

Confucius By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection; second, by imitation; third, by experience.

Confucius Do not be guilty of possessing a library of learned books while lacking learning yourself.

Erasmus Learning is a kind of natural food for the mind.

Cicero Men learn while they teach.