Books Quote by Russell Hoban
““People write books for children and other people write about the books written for children but I don't think it's for the children at all. I that all the people who worry so much about the children are really worrying about themselves, about keeping their world together and getting the children to help them do it, getting the children to agree that it is indeed a world. Each new generation of children has to be told: 'This is a world, this is what one does, one lives like this.' Maybe our constant fear is that a generation of children will come along and say: 'This is not a world, this is nothing, there's no way to live at all.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Book of the Dun Cow, Russell Hoban, 1970
The quote critiques how adults use children's literature to reinforce their own worldview, fearing children will reject that constructed reality.
In simple terms: Adults shape children's books to preserve their own worldview, fearing rebellion.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and respect children's independent perspectives.
Themes
education
power
generational dynamics
literature
control
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
social commentary
literary criticism
When to use this quote
- parenting
- teaching
- writing children's
- publishing
- media criticism
Key Concepts
socialization
authorial intent
cultural transmission
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance guiding children with allowing them to define their own world?
- What assumptions do we embed in children's stories?
A Different Perspective
Adults may project anxieties onto children, limiting authentic growth.
