Children Quote by Martin Amis
““So I am nineteen years old and don’t usually know what I’m doing, snap my thoughts out of the printed page, get my looks from other eyes, do not overtake dotards and cripples in the street for fear I will depress them with my agility, love watching children and animals at play but wouldn’t mind seeing a beggar kicked or a little girl run over because it’s all experience, dislike myself and sneer at a world less nice and less intelligent than me. I take it this is fairly routine?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Money, 1984
Explores youthful cynicism, self‑absorption, and a detached view of suffering, questioning moral responsibility.
In simple terms: Young narrator is indifferent to others’ pain.
Key Takeaway
Consider empathy over nihilism.
Themes
youth
nihilism
empathy
Mood
critical
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- college life
- urban alienation
- observing suffering
- personal growth
Key Concepts
existentialism
social critique
self‑reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you see yourself in this detached voice?
- How can you cultivate genuine concern?
A Different Perspective
The tone may glorify cruelty, ignoring real harm.
