Why, the whole world of knowledge is not worth that…
““Why, the whole world of knowledge is not worth that child's prayer to 'dear, kind God'! I say nothing of the sufferings of grown-up people, they have eaten the apple, damn them, and the devil take them all! But these little ones! The Brothers Karamazov Ivan to Alyosha, on the suffering and torture of children, " Book V - Pro and Contra, Chapter 4 - Rebellion.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The innocence of children is sacred, and adult suffering corrupts moral clarity, highlighting a stark moral contrast.
In simple terms: Children are pure; adult pain is corrupting.
Key Takeaway
Protect childlike purity.
Themes
innocence
morality
corruption
spirituality
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- spiritual counseling
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
existentialism
theodicy
ethical contrast
Questions to Reflect On
- How does adult suffering alter our view of innocence?
- Can we retain childlike faith amid adult pain?
A Different Perspective
Adult suffering can obscure the simple truth of childlike faith.