Chickens Quote by Sherwood Anderson
““Most philosophers must have been raised on chicken farms. One hopes for so much from a chicken and is so dreadfully disillusioned. Small chickens, just setting out on the journey of life, look so bright and alert and they are in fact so dreadfully stupid. They are so much like people they mix one up in one's judgments of life.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Triumph of the Egg” by Sherwood Anderson, 1915
The quote humorously compares people’s lofty expectations to the naïve optimism of young chickens, highlighting how early confidence can mask underlying foolishness.
In simple terms: People often overestimate their abilities early on.
Key Takeaway
Beware of overconfidence.
Themes
humor
human nature
expectations
Mood
playful
reflective
Type
satirical
observational
When to use this quote
- first job
- starting a project
- new relationships
- learning a skill
Key Concepts
psychology
naïveté
self‑deception
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you recognize moments when you were overly confident?
- How can humility improve decision‑making?
A Different Perspective
Overconfidence can lead to disappointment if not checked.
