Adults Quote by Anonymous
“As readers, we remain in the nursery stage so long as we cannot distinguish between taste and judgment, so long, that is, as the only possible verdicts we can pass on a book are two: this I like; this I don't like. For an adult reader, the possible verdicts are five: I can see this is good and I like it; I can see this is good but I don't like it; I can see this is good and, though at present I don't like it, I believe that with perseverance I shall come to like it; I can see that this is trash but I like it; I can see that this is trash and I don't like it.”
About This Quote
The quote contrasts immature and mature reading, showing that adults can evaluate books on multiple dimensions beyond simple liking or disliking.
In simple terms: Adults can judge books in nuanced ways, not just like/dislike.
Key Takeaway
Develop deeper critical reading skills.
Themes
critical thinking
literary analysis
personal growth
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education
- book clubs
- personal reading
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
maturity
subjectivity
taste vs judgment
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate taste from judgment?
- Can you appreciate a work you initially dislike?
A Different Perspective
Simplistic judgments may overlook deeper value.
![“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)
