Children Quote by Alice Miller
““Probably every child who has suffered abuse must assume an attitude like this in order to survive. These children reinterpret their perceptions in a desperate attempt to see as good and beneficial things that outside observers would immediately classify as crimes. Children have no choice. They must repress their true feelings if they have no "helping witness" to turn to and are helplessly exposed to their persecutors. Later, as adults lucky enough to encounter "enlightened witnesses", they do have a choice. Then they can admit the truth, their truth; they can stop pitying and "understanding" their persecutors, stop trying to feel their unsustainable, disassociated emotions, and roundly denounce the things that have been done to them.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Drama of the Gifted Child”, 1979
Survivors of abuse often suppress true feelings without supportive witnesses, later needing enlightened allies to reclaim truth.
In simple terms: Abuse victims repress feelings; need supportive witnesses.
Key Takeaway
Seek supportive allies to heal.
Themes
trauma
survival
psychology
Mood
somber
hopeful
Type
psychological
motivational
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- support groups
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
repression
witnessing
truth
healing
Questions to Reflect On
- Who can be your enlightened witness?
- How do you confront suppressed emotions?
A Different Perspective
Healing can be hindered without safe environments.
![“[Ridicule] laughs at all those who see the earnestness of life and who still believe in true feelings and in serious thought ... It soils the hope of youth. Only shameless vice is above its reach.” quote by Madame de Stael](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/153/madame-de-stael-2069_believe_ridicule-laughs-at-all-those-who-see-the_131952.jpg)
