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I believe that maturity is not an outgrowing, but a…

“I believe that maturity is not an outgrowing, but a growing up: that an adult is not a dead child, but a child who survived. I believe that all the best faculties of a mature human being exist in the child. . . . that one of the most deeply human, and humane, of these faculties is the power of…” quote by Ursula K. Le Guin
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“I believe that maturity is not an outgrowing, but a growing up: that an adult is not a dead child, but a child who survived. I believe that all the best faculties of a mature human being exist in the child. . . . that one of the most deeply human, and humane, of these faculties is the power of imagination.”

Ursula K. Le Guin

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Maturity is growth, not loss; adult imagination stems from childlike wonder.

In simple terms: Maturity retains childlike imagination.

Key Takeaway

Nurture imagination at any age.

Themes

growth imagination maturity humanity

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

philosophical psychological

When to use this quote

  • education
  • leadership
  • artistic pursuits

Key Concepts

developmental psychology creative potential

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can adults keep childlike imagination alive?
  • What does “survived” imply about adulthood?
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