Adults Quote by Lorrie Moore
“After a childhood of hungering to be an adult, my hunger had passed. Unexpected fates had begun to catch my notice. These middle-aged women seemed very tired to me, as if hope had been wrung out of them and replaced with a deathly, walking sort of sleep.”
About This Quote
Source Short Story: "Self-Help" by Lorrie Moore, 1985
The narrator reflects on aging, noting that youthful longing fades and middle‑aged women appear exhausted, as if hope has been drained and replaced by a numb, sleep‑like state.
In simple terms: Aging can feel like a loss of youthful hope, leaving a weary, numb existence.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address the fatigue that can accompany midlife.
Themes
aging
hope
fatigue
identity
disillusionment
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
literary
observational
When to use this quote
- career stagnation
- midlife crisis
- caregiver burnout
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
social observation
Questions to Reflect On
- What signs of fatigue do you notice in yourself?
- How can you restore hope in midlife?
A Different Perspective
Hope may be rekindled through new purpose or community support.
![“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)
