Skip to content

Child Quote by Francois Fenelon

“Children are excellent observers, and will often perceive your slightest defects. In general, those who govern children, forgive nothing in them, but everything in themselves” quote by Francois Fenelon
Download Open image
“Children are excellent observers, and will often perceive your slightest defects. In general, those who govern children, forgive nothing in them, but everything in themselves”

Francois Fenelon

About This Quote

Source Treatise: “On Education and Governance,” 1685

Children notice flaws in adults; leaders must be forgiving of children but critical of themselves.

In simple terms: Children see our flaws; leaders should self‑reflect.

Key Takeaway

Practice humility.

Themes

education leadership self‑awareness

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • teaching
  • policy making

Key Concepts

philosophy ethical governance

Questions to Reflect On

  • What personal flaws have you noticed through others?
  • How can leaders model humility?
A Different Perspective

May overgeneralize child behavior.

4.9 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Francois Fenelon

Explore all 187 Francois Fenelon quotes

More Child quotes

Browse all 10,702 Child quotes