Adults Quote by Anonymous
“A tyrannous and gluttonous demand for affection can be a horrible thing. But in ordinary life no one calls a child selfish because it turns for comfort to its mother; nor an adult who turns to his fellow "for company." Those, whether children or adults, who do so least are not usually the most selfless.”
About This Quote
The quote warns that excessive need for affection can become oppressive, yet society rarely labels children or adults who seek comfort as selfish, even though those who ask least may not be the most selfless.
In simple terms: Seeking too much affection can be harmful, but we often excuse it in others.
Key Takeaway
Balance personal needs with respect for others.
Themes
affection
selfishness
social norms
human behavior
Mood
reflective
critical
empathetic
Type
observation
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- parenting
- relationships
- workplace dynamics
- mental health counseling
Key Concepts
dependency
self-esteem
emotional intelligence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we differentiate healthy need for support from excessive dependency?
- When does seeking comfort become a burden to others?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook genuine vulnerability and label self-care as selfish.
![“He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.” quote by Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cf/katherine-paterson-2365_adults_he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-s_6101.jpg)
