This quote powerfully evokes the challenge of educating individuals who are in a constant state of flux, morphing in unpredictable and often fragile ways. The metaphor of "Sybils" refers to multiple personalities or facets within a single being, symbolizing the multifaceted nature of learners. It paints a vivid picture of students who are not static vessels to be filled with knowledge but dynamic entities, constantly evolving, breaking apart, and coming back together. This reflects the reality in many modern classrooms where learners bring diverse backgrounds, shifting emotional states, and varying identities.

The difficulty implied here is profound. Traditional teaching methods often rely on consistency and predictability — a stable set of learners to impart knowledge to. But when your students are continuously reforming, the educator must be equally adaptable, patient, and insightful. Teaching in this scenario means engaging not just with facts or skills but with the identities and personal journeys of the students. It hints at a deeper empathy and understanding, recognizing that pedagogy should not just be about content delivery but facilitating the individual’s process of self-making and adjustment.

Furthermore, the quote challenges the educator to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty. Confronted with constantly changing "Sybils," the teacher cannot cling to rigid expectations but must embrace fluidity and foster resilience both in themselves and their students. It's a call to rethink educational approaches, prioritizing emotional intelligence, creativity, and flexibility — aiming to guide learners not toward fixed endpoints but toward sustained growth amidst constant change.

---David Brooks---