Adulthood Quote by Neil Gaiman
“I liked myths. They weren't adult stories and they weren't children stories. They were better than that. They just were. Adult stories never made sense, and they were slow to start. They made me feel like there were secrets, Masonic, mythic secrets, to adulthood. Why didn't adults want to read about Narnia, about secret islands and smugglers and dangerous fairies?”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Guardian, 2013
The quote reflects a nostalgia for mythic storytelling that transcends age categories, suggesting adult narratives often lack the wonder and clarity of myths.
In simple terms: Myths give clear, magical meaning that adult stories often miss.
Key Takeaway
Seek stories that spark wonder regardless of age.
Themes
nostalgia
myth
storytelling
adulthood
imagination
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- reading clubs
- creative writing workshops
- teaching literature
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
mythic structure
psychology of belief
literary criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern story gives you that mythic feel?
- How can adult narratives regain mythic wonder?
A Different Perspective
Myths can oversimplify complex adult realities.
![“[Robert] Aikman would write horror stories that weren't gore, they weren't slashers, and they weren't monster stories either. He called them ghost stories. The main thing about them was the vibe. It was really disquieting. He wanted to sketch the scene so that you could see it and know the…” quote by John Darnielle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/772/john-darnielle-2176_answers_robert-aikman-would-write-horror-stories_792953.jpg)
![“[T]hey could not help being amused every time another little human believed itself the center of its world, as each of us does.” quote by Neil Gaiman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/19e/neil-gaiman-29_amused_t-hey-could-not-help-being-amused-every_4551.jpg)
