---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: All the games were selected for them by…"
description: "\"“All the games were selected for them by supervisors and had to have some useful, educational purpose. The children learned these new games but unlearn..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/643/michael-ende-2862_children_all-the-games-were-selected-for-them-by_725018.jpg"
---

#  All the games were selected for them by supervisors and…

![“All the games were selected for them by supervisors and had to have some useful, educational purpose. The children learned these new games but unlearned something else in the process: they forgot to be happy, how to take pleasure in little things and last, but not least, how to dream” quote by Michael Ende](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/643/michael-ende-2862_children_all-the-games-were-selected-for-them-by_725018.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/643/michael-ende-2862_children_all-the-games-were-selected-for-them-by_725018.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/643/michael-ende-2862_children_all-the-games-were-selected-for-them-by_725018.jpg)

> ““All the games were selected for them by supervisors and had to have some useful, educational purpose. The children learned these new games but unlearned something else in the process: they forgot to be happy, how to take pleasure in little things and last, but not least, how to dream””

[Michael Ende](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ende/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Describes how structured, purpose‑driven play can strip children of simple joy, spontaneity, and imagination.

**In simple terms:** Over‑structured activities can suppress happiness and dreaming.

Key Takeaway

Balance structure with free play.

Themes

education play creativity joy imagination

Mood

melancholic thoughtful inspirational

Type

educational critical reflective

When to use this quote

- school curriculum design
- parental guidance
- after‑school programs
- creative workshops

Key Concepts

pedagogy psychology child development

Questions to Reflect On

- How can we design play that educates and delights?
- What small pleasures can we re‑introduce into daily life?

A Different Perspective

Too much focus on utility may limit critical thinking and emotional growth.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Education](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/education/) [Educational system](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/educational-system/) [Happiness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/happiness/) [Little things](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/little-things/)

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