Adults Quote by Norton Juster
“Would it be possible for me to see something from up there?" asked Milo politely. "You could," said Alec, "but only if you try very hard to look at things as an adult does." Milo tried as hard as he could, and, as he did, his feet floated slowly off the ground until he was standing in the air next to Alex Bings. He looked around very quickly and, an instant later, crashed back down to the earth again. "Interesting, wasn't it?" asked Alex. "Yes, it was," agreed Milo, rubbing his head and dusting himself off, "but I think I'll continue to see things as a child. It's not so far to fall.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Phantom Tollbooth, 1961
The passage illustrates that adult perspective can unlock extraordinary experiences, yet childlike wonder remains valuable.
In simple terms: Adult view reveals new possibilities.
Key Takeaway
Balance adult insight with child curiosity.
Themes
imagination
growth
perspective
Mood
playful
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- learning
- problem solving
- adventure
- personal development
Key Concepts
cognitive development
creative thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- When did adult thinking limit you?
- How can you retain childlike curiosity?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on adult logic may stifle spontaneity.
![“Will you excuse us all,” [Jeff] said, “if we admit that we find it hard to believe? There is no such-possibility-in the rest of the world.” Have you no kind of life where [asexual reproduction] is possible?” asked Zava. “Why, yes-some low forms, of course.” “How low-or how high, rather?” quote by Charlotte Perkins Gilman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ece/charlotte-perkins-gilman-2420_asexual_will-you-excuse-us-all-jeff-said-if-we-a_2382079.jpg)
![“He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.” quote by Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cf/katherine-paterson-2365_adults_he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-s_6101.jpg)
