Skip to content

Children Quote by Walt Whitman

“I am of old and young, of the foolish as much as the wise, Regardless of others, ever regardful of others, Maternal as well as paternal, a child as well as a man, Stuffed with the stuff that is course, and stuffed with the stuff that is fine ...” quote by Walt Whitman
Download Open image
“I am of old and young, of the foolish as much as the wise, Regardless of others, ever regardful of others, Maternal as well as paternal, a child as well as a man, Stuffed with the stuff that is course, and stuffed with the stuff that is fine ...”

Walt Whitman

About This Quote

Source Poem: "Song of the Open Road", 1855

The speaker embraces both youth and age, wisdom and folly, and all human roles, celebrating the fullness of human experience.

In simple terms: Embrace all ages, roles, and qualities within yourself.

Key Takeaway

Accept the full spectrum of your humanity.

Themes

humanity duality acceptance

Mood

contemplative philosophical

Type

poetic inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • intergenerational relationships
  • mental health
  • leadership
  • creative expression

Key Concepts

existentialism self‑acceptance holistic identity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you reconcile your youthful and mature selves?
  • What does “stuff that is fine” mean to you?
A Different Perspective

Balancing contradictions can be challenging; some aspects may conflict.

2.6 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Walt Whitman

Explore all 775 Walt Whitman quotes

More Children quotes

Browse all 62,396 Children quotes