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Children Quote by Tom Robbins

“Maybe the affecting aspect was that Madame Ko's tanukis sparked in an onlooker's muscles a kinetic memory of the innocent freedom of early childhood, when one could let one's body go all akimbo on the slightest whim, could bounce, flop, and skip about in pure corporeal joy without embarrassment…” quote by Tom Robbins
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““Maybe the affecting aspect was that Madame Ko's tanukis sparked in an onlooker's muscles a kinetic memory of the innocent freedom of early childhood, when one could let one's body go all akimbo on the slightest whim, could bounce, flop, and skip about in pure corporeal joy without embarrassment, judgement, or restraint. Or maybe there was a more "mature" associations, memories, say, of being falling-down drunk at the company picnic-but now crazy little animals were serving as surrogates, allowing one to vicariously relive those deliciously liberating and rebellious moment while maintaining one's veneer of civilized respectability, protecting in the process, one's marriage, one's standing in the community, one's job. Or maybe, on a strictly subconscious level, circusgoers recognized in the antics of the tanukis-antics that appeared goofy and bumbling yet, at the same time, brave and successful-an analogy to their own blindly hopeful gyrations in a complex, impermanent universe where every happy dance was danced in the lengthening shadow of death. And maybe they were inspired, if only for a night, to emulate the tanuki capacity for self-enjoyment, a gift that ought to be the birthright of every Homo sapiens. or maybe not. Maybe all those interpretations are just so much god-fodder (The God-Fodder, The God-Fodder II), the very sort of bullshit responsible, some say, for keeping alive a modicum of divine interest in our discredited race.””

Tom Robbins

About This Quote

Source Book: The God-Fodder by Tom Robbins, 1995

The quote reflects on how whimsical performances trigger childhood freedom, adult rebellion, and existential contemplation, suggesting both innocent joy and deeper subconscious drives.

In simple terms: Playful shows awaken childhood joy, adult rebellion, and existential thoughts.

Key Takeaway

Embrace playful freedom while recognizing deeper motives.

Themes

freedom rebellion nostalgia existentialism subconscious culture

Mood

reflective ironic thoughtful

Type

philosophical humorous critical

When to use this quote

  • theme amusement park visits
  • personal reflection
  • creative writing
  • social commentary
  • cultural analysis

Key Concepts

psychology memory symbolism social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance playful freedom with adult responsibilities?
  • What subconscious motives drive your enjoyment of whimsical art?
A Different Perspective

May overlook personal responsibility, attributing behavior solely to external stimuli.

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