Skip to content

Childhood Quote by Graham Greene

“Childhood was the germ of all mistrust. You were cruelly joked upon and then you cruelly joked. You lost the remembrance of pain through inflicting it.” quote by Graham Greene
Download Open image
“Childhood was the germ of all mistrust. You were cruelly joked upon and then you cruelly joked. You lost the remembrance of pain through inflicting it.”

Graham Greene

About This Quote

Source Novel: The End of the Affair, Graham Greene, 1951

Early trauma breeds distrust; repeated cruelty erodes the ability to trust others.

In simple terms: Mistrust stems from childhood pain.

Key Takeaway

Heal by confronting past hurts.

Themes

trust trauma psychology relationships

Mood

reflective somber

Type

philosophical psychological

When to use this quote

  • therapy sessions
  • parenting
  • conflict resolution
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

attachment theory defense mechanisms

Questions to Reflect On

  • What childhood wounds still affect your trust?
  • How can you practice vulnerability safely?
A Different Perspective

Trust can be rebuilt with consistent, safe experiences.

3.2 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Graham Greene

Explore all 550 Graham Greene quotes

More Childhood quotes

Browse all 5,837 Childhood quotes