Believe Quote by Betty Smith
“Because the child must have a valuable thing which is called imagination. The child must have a secret world in which live things that never were. It is necessary that she believe. She must start out believing in things not of this world. Then when the world becomes too ugly for living in, the child can reach back and live in her imagination.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, 1943
Advocates nurturing a child’s imagination as a refuge and creative source when reality is harsh.
In simple terms: Imagination protects children from a bleak world.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate and protect imaginative play.
Themes
imagination
resilience
childhood
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education
- parenting
- mental health
- artistic expression
Key Concepts
creative thinking
psychological safety
Questions to Reflect On
- How can imagination be balanced with reality?
- What practices nurture healthy imagination?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on fantasy may hinder coping skills.
