Candle Quote by George Saunders
““Dad had once said, Trust your mind, Rob. If it smells like shit but has writing across it that says Happy Birthday and a candle stuck down in it, what is it? Is there icing on it? he'd said. Dad had done that thing of squinting his eyes when an answer was not quite there yet.””
About This Quote
Source Short Story: “The New Me” by George Saunders, 2013
A father uses a quirky riddle to teach his son to trust intuition even when evidence seems contradictory.
In simple terms: Trust intuition despite confusing signs.
Key Takeaway
Listen to gut feelings when logic fails.
Themes
intuition
parenting
learning
humor
Mood
playful
thoughtful
Type
humorous
reflective
When to use this quote
- Everyday problem solving
- parent‑child conversations
- creative brainstorming
Key Concepts
Riddles
cognitive dissonance
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance intuition and analysis?
- When should you trust a gut feeling?
A Different Perspective
Riddles may oversimplify complex decisions.
