Beautiful Quote by Selma Lagerlöf
“Have you ever seen a child sitting on its mother’s knee listening to fairy stories? As long as the child is told of cruel giants and of the terrible suffering of beautiful princesses, it holds its head up and its eyes open; but if the mother begins to speak of happiness and sunshine, the little one closes its eyes and falls asleep with its head against her breast. . . . I am a child like that, too. Others may like stories of flowers and sunshine; but I choose the dark nights and sad destinies.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Gösta Berlings saga by Selma Lagerlöf, 1891
The quote reflects a preference for darker, more tragic stories over comforting ones, suggesting a fascination with suffering and complexity.
In simple terms: Prefers dark tales over happy ones.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the narratives that challenge comfort.
Themes
storytelling
human nature
psychology
Mood
melancholic
thoughtful
Type
literary
reflective
When to use this quote
- reading
- parenting
- personal reflection
- creative writing
Key Concepts
tragic archetype
comfort avoidance
Questions to Reflect On
- Why are we drawn to darkness?
- How does this shape our worldview?
A Different Perspective
The preference may limit exposure to uplifting perspectives.
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