And so seated next to my father in the train compartment…
““And so seated next to my father in the train compartment, I suddenly asked, "Father, what is sexsin?" He turned to look at me, as he always did when answering a question, but to my surprise he said nothing. At last he stood up, lifted his traveling case off the floor and set it on the floor. Will you carry it off the train, Corrie?" he said. I stood up and tugged at it. It was crammed with the watches and spare parts he had purchased that morning. It's too heavy," I said. Yes," he said, "and it would be a pretty poor father who would ask his little girl to carry such a load. It's the same way, Corrie, with knowledge. Some knowledge is too heavy for children. When you are older and stronger, you can bear it. For now you must trust me to carry it for you.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Some knowledge is too heavy for children; it must be carried by the wise until they are ready.
In simple terms: Adults protect children from burdensome truths.
Key Takeaway
Share wisdom gradually, respecting maturity.
Themes
education
parenting
trust
growth
Mood
protective
gentle
Type
advisory
reflective
When to use this quote
- family conversations
- school curricula
- counseling sessions
- mentor‑mentee relationships
Key Concepts
developmental psychology
ethics
mentorship
Questions to Reflect On
- When should we reveal difficult truths?
- How do we gauge a child's readiness?
A Different Perspective
Overprotection can delay necessary learning and resilience.