When we reverence anything in the mature, it is their…
“When we reverence anything in the mature, it is their virtues or their wisdom, and this is an easy matter. But we reverence the faults and follies of children. We should probably come considerably nearer to the true conception of things if we treated all grown-up persons, of all titles and types, with precisely that dark affection and dazed respect with which we treat the infantile limitations.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Mature people are respected for virtues, while children are pitied for flaws; true wisdom would treat adults with the same gentle reverence we give infants.
In simple terms: Adults deserve the same compassionate respect we give children.
Key Takeaway
Show equal respect to all ages.
Themes
respect
humility
wisdom
compassion
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- parenting
- leadership
- education
- interpersonal relations
Key Concepts
social hierarchy
psychology of reverence
Questions to Reflect On
- How would relationships change if we treated adults with child‑like empathy?
- What risks arise from over‑idealizing maturity?
A Different Perspective
Adults also have flaws; blind reverence can prevent accountability.