Children Quote by Salman Rushdie
““Oh, alas, alas for his debauched children, flesh of his flesh, heir to all his failings and none of his strenghts!... was it hard to judge a ten-year-old boy in this way? Yes, of course it was, but these were not boys. They were little gods, the despots of the future: born, unfortunately, to rule. He loved them. They would betray him. They were the lights of his life. They would come for him while he slept. The little assfuckers. He was waiting for their moves.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Golden House by Salman Rushdie, 2017
The passage reflects on the paradox of loving children destined for power, seeing them as both divine and flawed, and the inevitable betrayal that follows.
In simple terms: Loving powerful children is complex and painful.
Key Takeaway
Recognize love’s contradictions.
Themes
parenthood
power
betrayal
destiny
Mood
conflicted
poignant
Type
fictional
philosophical
When to use this quote
- family dynamics
- political legacy
- psychological analysis
Key Concepts
Divine archetype
human flaw
Questions to Reflect On
- Can love coexist with fear of betrayal?
- How does power shape familial bonds?
A Different Perspective
Idealizing children can blind one to their flaws.
