Adults Quote by E. B. White
“Much of our adult morality, in books and out of them, has a stuffiness unworthy of childhood. Our grown-up conclusions often rest on perilously soft bottom.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Elements of Style, 1959
Adult moral reasoning often becomes overly cautious, losing the wonder and honesty of childhood.
In simple terms: Adults become overly cautious morally.
Key Takeaway
Embrace childlike honesty in moral thinking.
Themes
morality
childhood
honesty
skepticism
literature
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- education
- parenting
- creative writing
Key Concepts
ethical development
naïveté
Questions to Reflect On
- What can adults learn from children’s moral clarity?
- How to balance innocence with critical thinking?
A Different Perspective
Over-simplification may ignore complexity.
![“The Victorian house and lots of other buildings weren't oppressive in themselves. They were often very airy and gingerbready and fancy. But they were associated with all this [Victorian] stuffiness.” quote by Jane Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7a5/jane-jacobs-1991_airy_the-victorian-house-and-lots-of-other-bu_2558909.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)
