Children Quote by Viktor E. Frankl
““Just consider a child who, absorbed in play, forgets himself—this is the moment to take a snapshot; when you wait until he notices that you are taking a picture, his face congeals and freezes, showing his unnatural self-consciousness rather than his natural graciousness. Why do most people have that stereotyped expression on their faces whenever they are photographed? This expression stems from their concern with the impression they are going to leave on the onlooker. It is "cheese" that makes them so ugly. Forgetting themselves, the photographer, and the future onlooker would make them beautiful.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Man's Search for Meaning, 1946
A child's natural, unselfconscious state reveals true beauty, unlike forced smiles that hide authenticity.
In simple terms: Children show true beauty when unaware of being photographed.
Key Takeaway
Capture moments without prompting.
Themes
authenticity
self‑consciousness
beauty
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- family portraits
- street photography
- children's events
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we encourage genuine moments?
- What does a forced smile reveal about self‑image?
A Different Perspective
People may resist natural expression when aware of being observed.
