Childhood Quote by Robert R. McCammon
““See, this is my opinion: we all start out knowing magic. We are born with whirlwinds, forest fires, and comets inside us. We are born able to sing to birds and read the clouds and see our destiny in grains of sand. But then we get the magic educated right out of our souls. We get it churched out, spanked out, washed out, and combed out. We get put on the straight and narrow and told to be responsible. Told to act our age. Told to grow up, for God's sake. And you know why we were told that? Because the people doing the telling were afraid of our wildness and youth, and because the magic we knew made them ashamed and sad of what they'd allowed to wither in themselves.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Swan Song by Robert R. McCammon, 1987
Society suppresses innate wonder and imagination, replacing it with conformity and fear of the unknown.
In simple terms: Childhood magic is lost to adult rules.
Key Takeaway
Protect and nurture inner wonder.
Themes
creativity
conformity
freedom
Mood
nostalgic
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education reform
- parenting
- arts programs
- mental health support
Key Concepts
psychology
social conditioning
spirituality
Questions to Reflect On
- What childhood wonder have you let go?
- How can you balance responsibility with imagination?
A Different Perspective
Not all structures are oppressive; some provide safety and guidance.
