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Children Quote by William Maxwell

“The world (including Drapervilleh is not a nice place, and the innocent and the young have to take their chances. They cannot be watched over, twenty-four hours of the day. At what moment, from what hiding-place, the idea of evil will strike, there is no telling. And when it does, the result is…” quote by William Maxwell
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““The world (including Drapervilleh is not a nice place, and the innocent and the young have to take their chances. They cannot be watched over, twenty-four hours of the day. At what moment, from what hiding-place, the idea of evil will strike, there is no telling. And when it does, the result is not always disastrous. Children have their own incalculable strength and weakness, and this, for all their seeming helplessness, will determine the pattern of their lives. Even when you suspect why they fall downstairs, you cannot be sure. You have no way of knowing whether their fright is permanent or can be healed by putting butter on the large lump that comes out on their foreheads after a fall.””

William Maxwell

About This Quote

Life is unpredictable; children possess hidden strengths and vulnerabilities that shape their futures, despite appearances of helplessness.

In simple terms: Children have unseen strengths and weaknesses influencing their lives.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and support children's hidden potentials.

Themes

childhood uncertainty strength vulnerability

Mood

thoughtful concerned

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • education
  • healthcare
  • social services

Key Concepts

developmental psychology resilience

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can adults better nurture children's hidden strengths?
  • What role does environment play in shaping resilience?
A Different Perspective

Children's outcomes also depend on external support and guidance.

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