Children-s-book Quote by Margaret Peterson Haddix
![“But Mother, I don't want to go. It's just that...I have to. I can't spend the rest of my life hiding in the attic. [...] I don't want to be a burden[...]I want to do something with my life. Figure out ways to help other third kids. Make—make a difference in the world.” quote by Margaret Peterson Haddix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1dc/margaret-peterson-haddix-19372_children-s-book_but-mother-i-don-t-want-to-go-it-s-just_2908142.jpg)
““But Mother, I don't want to go. It's just that...I have to. I can't spend the rest of my life hiding in the attic. [...] I don't want to be a burden[...]I want to do something with my life. Figure out ways to help other third kids. Make—make a difference in the world.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “Running Out of Time” by Margaret Peterson Haddix, 1995
A young person feels trapped by circumstances but longs to contribute meaningfully and help peers.
In simple terms: Desire to act despite feeling stuck.
Key Takeaway
Seek purpose beyond personal limits.
Themes
self‑discovery
purpose
helping others
youth empowerment
Mood
determined
hopeful
Type
inspirational
personal
When to use this quote
- career planning
- volunteering
- personal growth
- overcoming fear
Key Concepts
existential yearning
social responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What can you do now to help others?
- How does feeling trapped spark motivation?
A Different Perspective
Personal constraints may limit immediate action.
![“I knew Stokely [Carmichael] and them, but when you got to that, you saw that Nina Simone started to take up their burden. She started to preach for them. She was taking on the burden of "I want to tell the people."” quote by Nikki Giovanni](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d59/nikki-giovanni-1757_burden_i-knew-stokely-carmichael-and-them-but-w_1220940.jpg)
