Children Quote by Alice Miller
““Of course, people who have been severed from their true feelings since early childhood will be dependent on institutions like the church and will let themselves be told what they are allowed to feel. In most cases it is very little indeed. But I cannot imagine that it will always be like this. Somewhere, sometime, there will be a rebellion, and the process of mutual stultification will be halted. It will be halted with individuals summon up the courage to overcome their understandable fears, to tell, feel, and publish the truth and communicate with others on this basis. Once we realize the immense amount of energy children can summon up in order to survive cruelty and extreme sadism, things suddenly start looking more optimistic. Then it is easy to imagine our world could be a much better one if those children (like Rimbaud, Schiller, Dostoevsky, and Nietzsche) could expend their almost limitless energies on other, more productive ends than merely fighting for their own survival.””
About This Quote
Early emotional suppression leads to reliance on institutions; eventual rebellion arises when individuals reclaim authentic feeling and truth.
In simple terms: Suppressing feelings creates dependence; courage restores authenticity.
Key Takeaway
Encourage emotional honesty and personal truth.
Themes
psychology
freedom
rebellion
Mood
hopeful
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- childhood trauma
- creative expression
- social movements
- personal healing
Key Concepts
authenticity
institutional critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What fears block your true expression?
- How can society support emotional authenticity?
A Different Perspective
Not everyone will rebel; some may remain passive.
