To look deep into your child's eyes and see in him both…
““To look deep into your child's eyes and see in him both yourself and something utterly strange, and then to develop a zealous attachment to every aspect of him, is to achieve parenthood's self-regarding, yet unselfish, abandon. It is astonishing how often such mutuality had been realized - how frequently parents who had supposed that they couldn't care for an exceptional child discover that they can. The parental predisposition to love prevails in the most harrowing of circumstances. There is more imagination in the world than one might think.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Seeing oneself and the unfamiliar in a child creates a deep, self‑sacrificing love that can thrive even in hardship.
In simple terms: Seeing yourself and the unknown in a child fuels deep love.
Key Takeaway
Embrace both similarity and mystery in parenting.
Themes
parenthood
selflessness
identity
love
imagination
Mood
reflective
hopeful
intimate
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- raising a child
- supporting a child with special needs
- navigating family crises
- cultivating empathy
Key Concepts
psychology
philosophy
family dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing the 'strange' in your child change your expectations?
- What barriers prevent you from fully embracing your child's uniqueness?
A Different Perspective
Parents may project their own expectations, limiting true mutuality.