--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The unrealistic nature of these tales…" description: "\"The unrealistic nature of these tales (which narrowminded rationalists object to) is an important device, because it makes obvious that the fairy tales..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f8/bruno-bettelheim-14782_concern_the-unrealistic-nature-of-these-tales-wh_890161.png" --- # The unrealistic nature of these tales (which narrowminded… ![“The unrealistic nature of these tales (which narrowminded rationalists object to) is an important device, because it makes obvious that the fairy tales’ concern is not useful information about the external world, but the inner process taking place in an individual.” quote by Bruno Bettelheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f8/bruno-bettelheim-14782_concern_the-unrealistic-nature-of-these-tales-wh_890161.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f8/bruno-bettelheim-14782_concern_the-unrealistic-nature-of-these-tales-wh_890161.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f8/bruno-bettelheim-14782_concern_the-unrealistic-nature-of-these-tales-wh_890161.png) > “The unrealistic nature of these tales (which narrowminded rationalists object to) is an important device, because it makes obvious that the fairy tales’ concern is not useful information about the external world, but the inner process taking place in an individual.” [Bruno Bettelheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruno-bettelheim/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Fairy tales reveal inner psychological processes rather than factual reality. **In simple terms:** Stories show inner growth. Key Takeaway Value symbolic meaning over literal facts. Themes psychology myth development Mood reflective analytical Type psychological educational When to use this quote - parenting - therapy - education - writing - self‑reflection Key Concepts Archetypal analysis inner narrative Questions to Reflect On - What inner truths do you find in myths? - How do stories shape personal identity? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on symbolism can ignore practical lessons. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Fairy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fairy/) [Fairy tale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fairy-tale/) [Fairy tales](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fairy-tales/) [Individual](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/individual/) [Nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature/) [Process](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/process/) [Storytelling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/storytelling/) [Tales](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tales/) [Useful information](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/useful-information/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) ## Related quotes > [“Our schools will not improve if we continue to focus only on reading and mathematics while ignoring the other studies that are essential elements…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diane-ravitch/our-schools-will-not-improve-if-we-continue-to-focus-only-on-reading/) [Diane Ravitch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diane-ravitch/) > [Queer Eye for the Straight Guy is a form of service journalism. 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