Adolescence Quote by W. Somerset Maugham
““It’s hard not to be impatient with the absurdity of the young; they tell us that two and two make four as though it had never occurred to us, and they’re disappointed if we can’t share their surprise when they have discovered that a hen lays an egg. There’s a lot of nonsense in their ranting and raving, but it’s not all nonsense. One ought to sympathize with them; one ought to do one’s best to understand. One has to remember how much has to be forgotten and how much has to be learnt when for the first time one faces life. It’s not very easy to give up one’s ideals, and the brute facts of every day are bitter pills to swallow. The spiritual conflicts of adolescence can be very severe and one can do little to resolve them.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Of Human Bondage, W. Somerset Maugham, 1915
The quote reflects on youthful impatience and the clash between idealism and harsh reality, urging empathy and understanding of adolescent struggles.
In simple terms: Youthful impatience meets harsh reality; we must empathize and learn.
Key Takeaway
Balance ideals with reality; listen to young voices.
Themes
adolescence
idealism
reality
empathy
growth
Mood
reflective
empathetic
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- mentoring
- personal development
- counseling
Key Concepts
psychological development
existential conflict
social learning
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we support adolescents without dismissing their ideas?
- What lessons can adults learn from youthful curiosity?
A Different Perspective
Youth often lack experience, so their insights may be limited or naive.
![“I remember realizing, when I did Little Women [1994], that that was the only time girls that age were being written about. It was always boys - from David Copperfield to Lord of the Flies to Holden Caulfield. There were never young women going through adolescence or teen years; there were only…” quote by Winona Ryder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/666/winona-ryder-1469_adolescence_i-remember-realizing-when-i-did-little-w_41784.jpg)