Old couple Quote by Mark Twain
““One must make allowances for a parental instinct that has been starving for twenty-five or thirty years. It is famished, it is crazed with hunger by that time, and will be entirely satisfied with anything that comes handy; its taste is atrophied, it can't tell mud cat from shad. A devil born to a young couple is measurably recognizable by them as a devil before long, but a devil adopted by an old couple is an angel to them, and remains so, through thick and thin.””
About This Quote
Parental instincts become distorted over time, leading to misplaced trust in harmful influences.
In simple terms: Old parents may misjudge danger as safety.
Key Takeaway
Remain vigilant about influences on children.
Themes
parenting
trust
danger
Mood
cautionary
reflective
Type
advisory
philosophical
When to use this quote
- adoption
- elder care
- family counseling
- education programs
Key Concepts
psychology
family dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can families protect against harmful influences?
- What signs indicate a misaligned parental instinct?
A Different Perspective
Not all parental instincts are reliable; experience can blind judgment.
