Let’s consider your age to begin with — how old are you?’…
““Let’s consider your age to begin with — how old are you?’ ‘I’m seven and a half exactly.’ ‘You needn’t say “exactually,”’ the Queen remarked: ‘I can believe it without that. Now I’ll give you something to believe. I’m just one hundred and one, five months and a day.’ ‘I can’t believe that!’ said Alice. ‘Can’t you?’ the Queen said in a pitying tone. ‘Try again: draw a long breath, and shut your eyes.’ Alice laughed. ‘There’s no use trying,’ she said: ‘one can’t believe impossible things.’ ‘I daresay you haven’t had much practice,’ said the Queen. ‘When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The Queen challenges Alice to believe impossible things, showing that belief can be trained like a skill.
In simple terms: Belief in the impossible can be practiced.
Key Takeaway
Practice believing the impossible.
Themes
imagination
belief
learning
Mood
playful
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- childhood education
- creative writing
- personal growth
- mindfulness practice
Key Concepts
cognitive flexibility
mental training
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you train yourself to accept unlikely possibilities?
- What limits do you set on your imagination?
A Different Perspective
Believing impossible things may clash with reality and rational thinking.