Believe Quote by Saint Augustine
“...But we enjoyed playing games and were punished for them by men who played games themselves. However, grown-up games are known as 'business' and even though boys' games are much the same, they are punished for them by their elders. No one pities either the boys or the men, though surely we deserve pity, for I cannot believe that a good judge would approve of the beatings I received as a boy on the ground that my games delayed my progress in studying subjects which would enable me to play a less creditable game later in life.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Confessions, Book 8, 5th century
Childhood play was punished by adults who themselves engaged in similar games, reflecting hypocrisy in societal expectations.
In simple terms: Adults punish kids for games they also play.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge double standards.
Themes
hypocrisy
authority
childhood
education
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
social
When to use this quote
- school discipline
- parental guidance
- workplace culture
- policy making
- community norms
Key Concepts
social control
power dynamics
moral inconsistency
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you respond when authority figures act inconsistently?
- What changes could reduce such hypocrisy?
A Different Perspective
Adults may argue that discipline is necessary for development, overlooking their own contradictions.
