Burial Quote by George Steiner
“To starve a child of the spell of the story, of the canter of the poem, oral or written, is a kind of living burial. It is to immure him in emptiness.”
About This Quote
Source Book: After Babel by George Steiner, 1975
Depriving a child of narrative and poetry leaves them empty, as if buried alive in silence.
In simple terms: Taking away stories leaves a child empty.
Key Takeaway
Preserve storytelling for children.
Themes
education
literature
child development
culture
silence
Mood
reflective
concerned
hopeful
Type
advisory
philosophical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- Reading aloud to kids
- Teaching poetry in school
- Family storytelling nights
- Library programs for youth
Key Concepts
Narrative
Poetry
Cognitive development
Cultural transmission
Questions to Reflect On
- How does story shape a child's worldview?
- What are the risks of a story‑free upbringing?
A Different Perspective
Stories alone cannot replace all learning; they must be paired with critical thinking.
