Adults Quote by Doris Lessing
“It is my belief that children are full of understanding and know as much as and more than adults, until they are about seven, when they suddenly become stupid, like adults.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Guardian, 1975, Doris Lessing
Children possess intuitive insight that often surpasses adult reasoning until a developmental shift around age seven reduces that clarity.
In simple terms: Kids understand more than adults early on.
Key Takeaway
Value and respect children's natural curiosity.
Themes
development
cognition
education
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
psychological
educational
When to use this quote
- parenting
- early childhood education
- curriculum design
- family communication
Key Concepts
Piagetian stages
epigenetics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can adults nurture rather than diminish child insight?
- What societal factors trigger the shift at seven?
A Different Perspective
Adult assumptions can suppress children's innate wisdom.
![“[I]f we can bring our children understanding, comfort, and hopefulness when they need this kind of support, then they are more likely to grow into adults who can find these resources within themselves later on. (from the introduction)” quote by Fred Rogers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/495/fred-rogers-1272_adults_i-f-we-can-bring-our-children-understand_3184532.jpg)
![“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)
