Adults Quote by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
“There are people who think that we cannot rule ourselves because the few times we tried, we failed, as if all the others who rule themselves today got it right the first time. It is like telling a crawling baby who tries to walk, and then falls back on his buttocks, to stay there. As if the adults walking past him did not crawl, once”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview, 2015
Self‑governance is possible despite past failures; learning from early attempts is essential.
In simple terms: People can rule themselves even after setbacks.
Key Takeaway
Encourage perseverance and learning from mistakes.
Themes
self‑reliance
growth
resilience
Mood
hopeful
determined
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education reform
- personal development
- community organizing
- political activism
Key Concepts
psychology
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What past failure taught you the most?
- How can societies support self‑governance?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on optimism may ignore systemic obstacles.
![“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)
