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And they heard the roaring thunder of a third brilliantly…

“And they heard the roaring thunder of a third brilliantly lighted express. "Are they pursuing the first travelers?" demanded the little prince. "They are pursuing nothing at all," said the switchman. "They are asleep in there, or if they are not asleep they are yawning. Only the children are…” quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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“And they heard the roaring thunder of a third brilliantly lighted express. "Are they pursuing the first travelers?" demanded the little prince. "They are pursuing nothing at all," said the switchman. "They are asleep in there, or if they are not asleep they are yawning. Only the children are flattening their noses against the windowpanes." "Only the children know what they are looking for," said the little prince. "They waste their time over a rag doll and it becomes very important to them; and if anybody takes it away from them, they cry..." "They are lucky," the switchman said.”

Antoine de Saint-Exupery

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Children see wonder and purpose that adults overlook; they cling to simple joys.

In simple terms: Children find meaning in small things.

Key Takeaway

Value childlike curiosity.

Themes

innocence wonder purpose

Mood

nostalgic thoughtful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • education
  • creative brainstorming
  • life decisions

Key Concepts

existential search childhood perspective

Questions to Reflect On

  • What simple joy fuels you?
  • How can you honor childlike wonder in work?
A Different Perspective

Adults may dismiss child perspectives as naive.

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