If we use child in a good sense (it has also legitimately…
““If we use child in a good sense (it has also legitimately a bad one) we must not allow that to push us into the sentimentality of only using adult or grown-up in a bad sense (it has also legitimately a good one). The process of growing older is not necessarily allied to growing wickeder, though the two do often happen together. Children are meant to grow up, and not to become Peter Pans. Not to lose innocence and wonder; but to proceed on the appointed journey: that journey upon which it is certainly not better to travel hopefully than to arrive, though we must travel hopefully if we are to arrive.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage argues that aging does not automatically bring wisdom, and that children should retain wonder while growing responsibly, avoiding both childish immaturity and cynical adultism.
In simple terms: Growing older isn’t the same as becoming wiser; keep wonder while maturing.
Key Takeaway
Balance innocence with mature purpose.
Themes
growth
wisdom
innocence
responsibility
balance
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- parenting
- personal development
- education
- life planning
Key Concepts
developmental psychology
philosophy of aging
literary metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we nurture wonder in adulthood?
- What practices keep growth from becoming cynicism?
A Different Perspective
Maturity can sometimes suppress curiosity and creativity.