In certain circumstances where he experiments in new types…
“In certain circumstances where he experiments in new types of conduct by cooperating with his equals, the child is already an adult. There is an adult in every child and a child in every adult. ... There exist in the child certain attitudes and beliefs which intellectual development will more and more tend to eliminate: there are others which will acquire more and more importance. The later are not derived from the former but are partly antagonistic to them.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Children possess adult‑like capacities that evolve, while adults retain childlike attitudes; development reshapes which traits dominate.
In simple terms: People have both child and adult aspects that shift over time.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and nurture balanced growth.
Themes
development
duality
growth
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
theoretical
educational
When to use this quote
- education
- parenting
- self‑improvement
Key Concepts
cognitive theory
psychology
identity formation
Questions to Reflect On
- Which traits from childhood serve you now?
- How can adult responsibilities honor childlike curiosity?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on one side can hinder integration.