The perception of other people and the intersubjective…
““The perception of other people and the intersubjective world is problematic only for adults. The child lives in a world which he unhesitatingly believes accessible to all around him. He has no awares of himself or of others as private subjectives, nor does he suspect that all of us, himself included, are limited to one certain point of view of the world. That is why he subjects neither his thoughts, in which he believes as they present themselves, to any sort of criticism. He has no knowledge of points of view. For him men are empty heads turned towards one single, self-evident world where everything takes place, even dreams, which are, he thinks, in his room, and even thinking, since it is not distinct from words.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Adults recognize that others have private perspectives; children assume a shared, obvious world and lack self‑critical awareness.
In simple terms: Children see the world as a single, obvious place; adults know others have private views.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that others have distinct viewpoints.
Themes
development
subjectivity
self‑awareness
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- education
- parenting
- therapy
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
phenomenology
intersubjectivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing others’ perspectives change your interactions?
- What habits can foster early self‑awareness?
A Different Perspective
Children may still develop self‑critical thinking later, limiting early awareness.