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Children Quote by D.E. Stevenson

“Children are ruthless because they have not learned pity, they are inconsiderate because they have never experienced pain. When Philip had written the letter he had not seen his father receiving it, Philip had just sat down and written exactly what he was feeling with absolute honesty...” quote by D.E. Stevenson
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““Children are ruthless because they have not learned pity, they are inconsiderate because they have never experienced pain. When Philip had written the letter he had not seen his father receiving it, Philip had just sat down and written exactly what he was feeling with absolute honesty...””

D.E. Stevenson

About This Quote

Source Book: A Child's Book of Verse by D.E. Stevenson, 1915

Children act harshly because they lack empathy and have never felt suffering; honesty reveals raw emotion.

In simple terms: Kids are cruel when they don’t know pity or pain.

Key Takeaway

Teach empathy early.

Themes

empathy childhood honesty

Mood

reflective empathetic

Type

literary didactic

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • education
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

psychology developmental literature

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we help children feel others' pain?
  • What role does honesty play in growth?
A Different Perspective

Children can learn compassion through guided experience.

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