Adults Quote by Gore Vidal
“You see we adults have learned how to disguise our terrible characters but a child... well, it's like a grotesque drawing of us. They should be neither seen nor heard. And no one must make another one.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Death of the Author, 1975
Adults mask their flaws, but children expose the raw, grotesque truth of humanity.
In simple terms: Children reveal our hidden flaws.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge and address personal shortcomings.
Themes
authenticity
childhood
self‑reflection
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- personal growth
Key Concepts
psychology
social critique
identity
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the child symbolize?
- How can adults become more authentic?
A Different Perspective
Adults can also be honest.
![“He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.” quote by Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cf/katherine-paterson-2365_adults_he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-s_6101.jpg)
