--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: As a child, I thought I hated everybody…" description: "\"As a child, I thought I hated everybody, but when I grew up I realized it was just children I didn't like.\" — Philip Larkin" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eae/philip-larkin-1822_children_as-a-child-i-thought-i-hated-everybody-b_2261801.jpg" --- # As a child, I thought I hated everybody, but when I grew… ![“As a child, I thought I hated everybody, but when I grew up I realized it was just children I didn't like.” quote by Philip Larkin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eae/philip-larkin-1822_children_as-a-child-i-thought-i-hated-everybody-b_2261801.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eae/philip-larkin-1822_children_as-a-child-i-thought-i-hated-everybody-b_2261801.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eae/philip-larkin-1822_children_as-a-child-i-thought-i-hated-everybody-b_2261801.jpg) > “As a child, I thought I hated everybody, but when I grew up I realized it was just children I didn't like.” [Philip Larkin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/philip-larkin/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The poet admits his childhood dislike was actually a dislike of other children, revealing a shift in self‑perception. **In simple terms:** He realized his early hatred was toward peers, not everyone. Key Takeaway Reflect on how early biases change over time. Themes childhood bias self‑awareness Mood introspective thoughtful Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - parenting - education - self‑reflection - conflict resolution Key Concepts psychology social development Questions to Reflect On - What childhood biases have you outgrown? - How do early perceptions shape adult relationships? A Different Perspective Self‑awareness can be uncomfortable and may require confronting past attitudes. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) ## Related quotes > [I wondered if he ever thought of me, and hated the pang I felt when I told myself he didn't.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/i-wondered-if-he-ever-thought-of-me-and-hated-the-pang-i-felt-when-i/) [Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/) > [“Odd how somehow she'd once thought she hated had become such an integral part of her daily life. 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