Adults Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Infancy conforms to nobody: all conform to it, so that one babe commonly makes four or five out of the adults who prattle and play to it.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Self‑Reliance, 1841
Infancy is a universal stage that shapes adults, who often mimic its raw authenticity.
In simple terms: Infancy influences adult behavior.
Key Takeaway
Value youthful authenticity.
Themes
development
conformity
authenticity
Mood
reflective
philosophical
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- personal development
Key Concepts
psychology
human growth
Questions to Reflect On
- How does childhood shape adult habits?
- Can we retain infant honesty?
A Different Perspective
Adults may resist infantile influence.
![“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)
