Children Quote by Mahatma Gandhi
“Men flocked to see it and ascended it as it was a novelty and of unique dimensions. It was the toy of the exhibition. So long as we are children we are attracted by toys, and the tower was a good demonstration of the fact that we are all children attracted by trinkets. That may be claimed to be the purpose served by the Eiffel Tower.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Reflections on Modernity, 1930s, null
The quote likens the Eiffel Tower to a child's toy, suggesting adults are drawn to flashy novelties like children to trinkets.
In simple terms: Adults are attracted to flashy novelties like children to toys.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and question superficial attractions.
Themes
materialism
nostalgia
perception
culture
illusion
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
observational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- tourism
- urban planning
- marketing
- personal growth
Key Concepts
consumerism
symbolism
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern "toys" distract you from deeper values?
- How does novelty shape our choices?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may oversimplify complex cultural significance.
![“In order to satisfy this great oneiric function, which makes it not a kind of total monument, the [Eiffel] Tower must escape reason. The first condition of this victorious flight is that the Tower be an utterly useless monument.” quote by Roland Barthes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/118/roland-barthes-1062_eiffel-tower_in-order-to-satisfy-this-great-oneiric-f_1078821.jpg)
