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End of the world Quote by Natalie Babbitt

“After that we went sort of crazy,” said Jesse, grinning at the memory. “Heck, we was going to live forever. Can you picture what it felt like to find that out?” “But then we sat down and talked it over…” said Miles. “We’re still talking it over,” Jesse added. “And we figured it’d be very bad if…” quote by Natalie Babbitt
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““After that we went sort of crazy,” said Jesse, grinning at the memory. “Heck, we was going to live forever. Can you picture what it felt like to find that out?” “But then we sat down and talked it over…” said Miles. “We’re still talking it over,” Jesse added. “And we figured it’d be very bad if everyone knowed about that spring,” said Mae. “We begun to see what it would mean.” She peered at Winnie. “Do you understand, child? That water--it stops you right where you are. If you’d had a drink of it today, you’d stay a little girl forever. You’d never grow up, not ever.” “We don’t know how it works, or even why,” said Miles. “Pa thinks it’s something left over from--well, from some other plan for the way the world should be,” said Jesse. “Some plan that didn’t work out too good. And so everything was changed. Except that the spring was passed over, somehow or other. Maybe he’s right. I don’t know. But you see, Winnie Foster, when I told you before I’m a hundred and four years old, I was telling the truth. But I’m really only seventeen. And, so far as I know, I’ll stay seventeen till the end of the world.””

Natalie Babbitt

About This Quote

Source Book: Tuck Everlasting, Natalie Babbitt, 1975

The passage explores the temptation of eternal youth versus the natural progression of life, highlighting fear of change and the unknown.

In simple terms: Eternal youth sounds appealing but stops growth.

Key Takeaway

Accept life's cycles, cherish growth.

Themes

mortality youth change time

Mood

nostalgic thoughtful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • coming of age
  • family dynamics
  • ethical dilemmas
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

philosophy fiction existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What would you sacrifice for eternal youth?
  • How do you embrace change?
A Different Perspective

Clinging to youth can prevent meaningful experiences.

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