Barbaric Quote by Maurice Sendak
“I think there is something barbaric in children, and it's missing in lots of books for them because we don't like to think of it. We want them to be happy [but] childhood is a very tough time.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Art of Childhood, 1995
Children possess a raw, untamed quality that is often omitted from literature because adults avoid confronting its harshness, despite childhood being inherently challenging.
In simple terms: Children have a wild side often hidden in books.
Acknowledge children's complexity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- writing children's
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do adults shy away from children's harsh realities?
- How can stories reflect true childhood?
May be uncomfortable for some audiences.