"Un professeur doit avoir une théorie comme un chien doit avoir des puces"

Imagine a dog without fleas. It’s almost impossible, right? Fleas are just a part of a dog’s life, as annoying as they might be. Now, think about a professor and a theory—it’s the same deal. The core idea here is that just as fleas are an integral part of a dog's existence, a theory is essential for a professor. Theories are what professors use to explain, understand, and expand their fields of study. They can't really do their job without them.

This quote could be from any academic setting, but let’s say it comes from a time when someone was questioning the necessity of theoretical frameworks in academia. Think about the early days of the scientific revolution. Back then, people were just starting to realize how essential theories were to making sense of the world. Or maybe it’s from a modern-day professor frustrated with students who just want the practical stuff and don't see the point of all that “theory nonsense.”

To put this into a real-life scenario, think about your favorite professor from college. Let’s call her Dr. Jane. Dr. Jane teaches psychology and she’s got this theory she’s always talking about—it’s her baby. Maybe it’s a new way to understand how memory works. She’s done all kinds of experiments, written papers, and even given talks about it at big conferences. It’s not just something she talks about in class; it’s the backbone of her research and teaching. Without it, she wouldn’t have a focus or a framework to build her lessons around.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? If you’re in a field that values theory, like academia, don’t shy away from developing your own. Embrace it. Dive deep into what fascinates you and build a framework around it. Think of it as your intellectual anchor. It’ll keep you grounded and give you something solid to work off of.

Now, picture this: You’re at your favorite coffee shop, chatting with a friend. They’re venting about how their marketing class is all theories this, theories that. They just want to get out there and start their own business. You can tell them this: Imagine trying to build a house without a blueprint. Sure, you might get something that looks like a house, but it’s not going to be very sturdy. Theories are like blueprints—they give you a structure to work with and make sure you’re on solid ground.

You see, the essence of this quote is about the necessity of foundational ideas—whether you’re teaching, learning, or applying knowledge. Just like a dog’s fleas are a given, a professor can’t really function without a solid theory. It’s what they cling to, how they make sense of their work, and how they contribute to the broader conversation in their field. So next time you’re tempted to roll your eyes at yet another theory, remember: it’s not just academic fluff. It’s the lifeblood of intellectual progress.