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Children Quote by Alexander McCall Smith

“You cannot divide a child's heart in two" she had observed to Mma Makutsi, "and yet that is what some people wish to do. A child has only one heart." "And the rest of us?" Mma Makutsi had asked. "Do we not have one heart too?" Mma Ramotswe nodded. "Yes, we have only one heart, but as you grow…” quote by Alexander McCall Smith
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““You cannot divide a child's heart in two" she had observed to Mma Makutsi, "and yet that is what some people wish to do. A child has only one heart." "And the rest of us?" Mma Makutsi had asked. "Do we not have one heart too?" Mma Ramotswe nodded. "Yes, we have only one heart, but as you grow older you heart grows bigger. A child loves only one or two things; we love so many things." "Such as?" Mma Ramotswe smiled. "Botswana. Rain. Cattle. Friends. Our children. Our late relatives. The smell of woodsmoke in the morning. Red bush tea...””

Alexander McCall Smith

About This Quote

Source Novel: The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, 1998

A child's single heart expands with age, allowing love for many things, yet the core remains one.

In simple terms: Child's heart grows, love multiplies.

Key Takeaway

Cherish core love, expand empathy.

Themes

growth love childhood

Mood

warm contemplative

Type

narrative philosophical

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • education
  • community building
  • personal growth
  • storytelling

Key Concepts

psychology empathy developmental stages

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does love evolve with age?
  • Can one hold many loves without losing self?
A Different Perspective

Expanding love may dilute focus.

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