In the book "Twenty Years After" by Alexandre Dumas, the notion that instruction has its benefits for a child's learning is highlighted, yet it emphasizes that leading by example is even more impactful. Dumas suggests that while children may receive knowledge and understanding from formal teaching, the actions and behaviors they observe in their role models carry more weight. This idea points to the importance of practical demonstration in the growth and development of a young person's character and values.

The quote suggests that the lessons learned through real-life examples can resonate more deeply than theoretical knowledge. By observing the behaviors of trusted figures, children are likely to internalize important lessons that shape their attitudes and choices. Dumas effectively underscores the power of example as a teaching tool, indicating that it supports and often surpasses traditional instruction in nurturing a child's understanding of the world around them.