And when she said, What do you want to be when you grow…
““And when she said, What do you want to be when you grow up? some kid said, A good burglar, and we all laughed, and she said, Why not an anarchist?--that's a burglar with self-respect.””
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’s innocent ambition for a “good burglar” is reframed as an anarchist, suggesting that rebellion can be dignified when it follows personal principles.
In simple terms: Even mischief can have a moral code.
Key Takeaway
Embrace personal integrity in rebellion.
Themes
rebellion
identity
morality
humor
Mood
ironic
thoughtful
provocative
Type
literary
humorous
philosophical
When to use this quote
- youthful aspirations
- social critique
- political activism
- creative storytelling
Key Concepts
anarchism
ethical rebellion
personal ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines a “good” rebellion?
- When does personal integrity justify breaking rules?
A Different Perspective
The humor may downplay real consequences of lawbreaking.