Boys Quote by William Faulkner
“When grown people speak of the innocence of children, they dont really know what they mean. Pressed, they will go a step further and say, Well, ignorance then. The child is neither. There is no crime which a boy of eleven had not envisaged long ago. His only innocence is, he may not be old enough to desire the fruits of it...his ignorance is, he does not know how to commit it...”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Light in August, 1932
Adults misinterpret children's innocence, conflating it with ignorance, overlooking their capacity for thought.
In simple terms: Adults confuse innocence with ignorance.
Key Takeaway
Recognize children's nuanced understanding.
Themes
childhood
perception
innocence
ignorance
misinterpretation
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- literary analysis
- ethical discussions
Key Concepts
psychology
developmental cognition
Questions to Reflect On
- How does adult bias shape our view of children?
- What responsibilities arise from recognizing children's agency?
A Different Perspective
Children can conceive complex ideas even if they lack desire to act.
