Advice Quote by Fyodor Dostoevsky
“One can tell a child everything, anything. I have often been struck by the fact that parents know their children so little. They should not conceal so much from them. How well even little children understand that their parents conceal things from them, because they consider them too young to understand! Children are capable of giving advice in the most important matters.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Brothers Karamazov, 1880, dialogue on parental honesty
Parents often underestimate children's capacity to understand truth and give valuable advice
In simple terms: Children can grasp more than adults think and can advise on important matters
Key Takeaway
Take children seriously and share truth appropriately
Themes
family
communication
wisdom
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- parent‑child conversations
- teaching honesty
- advice seeking
- family decision making
Key Concepts
developmental psychology
ethical honesty
Questions to Reflect On
- How much truth should parents reveal to children?
- When can a child's advice be trusted?
A Different Perspective
Children may lack life experience to fully grasp complex issues
