Children Quote by Erich Maria Remarque
““Educationalists who think they can understand the young are enthusiasts. Youth does not want to be understood; it wants only to be let alone. It preserves itself immune against the insidious bacillus of being understood. The grown-up who would approach it too importunately is as ridiculous in its eyes as if he had put on children's clothes. We may feel with our youth, but youth does not feel with us. That is its salvation.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Youth and the Adult”, 1930s
Youth resists being understood; it seeks freedom from adult attempts to define it, preserving its own identity.
In simple terms: Youth wants independence, not adult analysis.
Key Takeaway
Respect youth autonomy.
Themes
youth
independence
misunderstanding
generational gap
identity
Mood
thoughtful
protective
critical
Type
philosophical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- education
- parenting
- mentoring
- policy making
Key Concepts
psychology
social dynamics
autonomy
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to “let youth be”?
- How can adults support without imposing?
A Different Perspective
Adults may misinterpret youth needs, leading to overreach.
