Scorpion Quote by Esther Friesner
““What color was the scorpion? I remembered the question Henenu had asked me years ago. The answer was vital: brown scorpions didn't have the power to kill humans, but white ones did. 'Brown.' He summoned up a wobbly smile. 'Not very big, either. I shouldn't be carrying on like this. You'll think I'm a child.' 'Not many children know the kind of words you were using,' I replied dryly.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Scorpion Question” (fiction) by Esther Friesner, 2015
The narrator reflects on a childhood question about scorpion colors, using it to illustrate how knowledge can be both trivial and profound, and how adults may dismiss childlike curiosity.
In simple terms: Childhood questions can hold deeper meaning.
Key Takeaway
Value curiosity, even when dismissed.
Themes
knowledge
curiosity
growth
authority
humor
Mood
playful
thoughtful
Type
literary
conversational
When to use this quote
- education
- parent‑child conversations
- creative writing
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
epistemology
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you respond when curiosity is dismissed?
- What simple questions have revealed deeper truths?
A Different Perspective
Adults may undervalue simple insights.
