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A child has no great wish to perfect himself in the use of…

“A child has no great wish to perfect himself in the use of an instrument of torture, but make it a means to his pleasure, and soon you will not be able to keep him from it.” quote by Daniel Pennac
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““A child has no great wish to perfect himself in the use of an instrument of torture, but make it a means to his pleasure, and soon you will not be able to keep him from it.””

Daniel Pennac

About This Quote

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

A child should use tools for joy, not become addicted to harmful power, otherwise it becomes hard to control.

In simple terms: Children should enjoy, not become obsessed with harmful tools.

Key Takeaway

Guide children toward healthy enjoyment of tools.

Themes

joy responsibility addiction control

Mood

cautious thoughtful

Type

advisory reflective

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • education
  • media consumption
  • technology use

Key Concepts

psychology ethics development

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we teach joy without fostering dependence?
  • What boundaries keep pleasure safe?
A Different Perspective

If the tool is inherently harmful, enjoyment may still lead to danger.

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