--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Affection between adults - if they are…" description: "\"Affection between adults - if they are really adult in mind and not merely grown up children - and creatures so relatively selfish and cruel as childre..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/130/george-bernard-shaw-68_adults_affection-between-adults-if-they-are-rea_1211464.png" --- # Affection between adults - if they are really adult in… ![“Affection between adults - if they are really adult in mind and not merely grown up children - and creatures so relatively selfish and cruel as children necessarily are without knowing it or meaning it, cannot be called natural.” quote by George Bernard Shaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/130/george-bernard-shaw-68_adults_affection-between-adults-if-they-are-rea_1211464.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/130/george-bernard-shaw-68_adults_affection-between-adults-if-they-are-rea_1211464.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/130/george-bernard-shaw-68_adults_affection-between-adults-if-they-are-rea_1211464.png) > “Affection between adults - if they are really adult in mind and not merely grown up children - and creatures so relatively selfish and cruel as children necessarily are without knowing it or meaning it, cannot be called natural.” [George Bernard Shaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-bernard-shaw/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Adult affection that is truly mature cannot be natural when directed toward inherently selfish, cruel children. **In simple terms:** Mature love isn’t natural with selfish children. Key Takeaway Recognize maturity in relationships. Themes maturity affection human nature Mood reflective critical Type philosophical analytical When to use this quote - parenting - romantic relationships - friendship - mentorship Key Concepts psychology ethics Questions to Reflect On - How do you differentiate genuine maturity from childish behavior? - Can love be truly natural without selfishness? A Different Perspective Children’s innate selfishness may distort adult affection. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Adults](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adults/) [Affection](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/affection/) [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind/) [Nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) ## Related quotes > [“Till at last the child’s mind is these suggestions, and the sum of the suggestions is the child’s mind. 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