Adult Quote by Arnaud Desjardins
“An adult is one who has lost the grace, the freshness, the innocence of the child, who is no longer capable of feeling pure joy, who makes everything complicated, who spreads suffering everywhere, who is afraid of being happy, and who, because it is easier to bear, has gone back to sleep. The wise man is a happy child.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Book of Secrets by Arnaud Desjardins, 1990
Adulthood often loses childlike wonder, making life complex and joy elusive, while wisdom lies in reclaiming childlike happiness.
In simple terms: Adults lose innocence and joy; wisdom is childlike happiness.
Embrace childlike wonder.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- parenting
- career stress
- mental health
- creative work
- relationships
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you reconnect with childlike wonder?
- What prevents you from feeling pure joy?
Adults may resist vulnerability, limiting true happiness.