Children Quote by Arthur C. Clarke
““And yet, even while they baffled him, they aroused within his heart a feeling he had never known before. When- which was not often, but sometimes happened- they burst into tears of utter frustration or despair, their tiny disappointments seemed to him more tragic than Man’s long retreat after the loss of his Galactic Empire. That was something too huge and remote for comprehension, but the weeping of a child could pierce one to the heart. Alvin had met love in Diaspar, but now he was learning something equally precious, and without which love itself could never reach its highest fulfillment but must remain forever incomplete. He was learning tenderness.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke, 1953
Describes how a child's raw emotion can pierce even a seasoned heart, teaching that love requires tenderness and vulnerability.
In simple terms: Even hardened hearts feel deep empathy from a child's tears.
Key Takeaway
Embrace tenderness to deepen love.
Themes
empathy
love
tenderness
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- parenting
- teaching moments
- conflict resolution
- personal growth
Key Concepts
vulnerability
human connection
Questions to Reflect On
- How does vulnerability strengthen relationships?
- When can tenderness become a weakness?
A Different Perspective
May overlook practical aspects of love.
