Adults Quote by Orson Scott Card
“Ender understood more than she said. Manipulation of gravity was one thing; deception by the officers was another; but the most important message was this: the adults are the enemy, not the other armies. They do not tell us the truth.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, 1985
The protagonist learns that authority figures conceal truth, making them adversaries despite external threats.
In simple terms: Adults hide truth, becoming enemies.
Key Takeaway
Question authority and seek truth.
Themes
trust
authority
deception
youth
war
truth
Mood
skeptical
defiant
reflective
Type
literary
critical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- school life
- military training
- family discussions
- political activism
Key Concepts
psychology
power dynamics
military ethics
propaganda
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide when to trust adults?
- What evidence reveals hidden motives?
A Different Perspective
The quote assumes all adults are untrustworthy, which may not hold universally.
![“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)
