--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: She knew nothing about children. After it…" description: "\"“She knew nothing about children. After it was settled that Philip should come down to Blackstable, Mrs. Carey had thought much how she should treat hi..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/37a/william-somerset-maugham-8684_children_she-knew-nothing-about-children-after-it_272125.jpg" --- # She knew nothing about children. After it was settled that… ![“She knew nothing about children. After it was settled that Philip should come down to Blackstable, Mrs. Carey had thought much how she should treat him; she was anxious to do her duty; but now he was there she found herself just as shy of him as he was of her. She” quote by William Somerset Maugham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/37a/william-somerset-maugham-8684_children_she-knew-nothing-about-children-after-it_272125.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/37a/william-somerset-maugham-8684_children_she-knew-nothing-about-children-after-it_272125.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/37a/william-somerset-maugham-8684_children_she-knew-nothing-about-children-after-it_272125.jpg) > ““She knew nothing about children. After it was settled that Philip should come down to Blackstable, Mrs. Carey had thought much how she should treat him; she was anxious to do her duty; but now he was there she found herself just as shy of him as he was of her. She”” [William Somerset Maugham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-somerset-maugham/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A character feels uneasy and shy around a child despite intending to fulfill a duty, highlighting discomfort in unfamiliar responsibilities. **In simple terms:** Shy about a child despite duty. Key Takeaway Acknowledge discomfort, seek empathy. Themes family responsibility social anxiety Mood reflective empathetic Type literary psychological When to use this quote - parenting - caregiving - volunteer work - mentor relationships Key Concepts duty conflict personal growth Questions to Reflect On - How do you handle unexpected responsibilities? - What steps help you become comfortable in new roles? A Different Perspective Societal expectations may pressure individuals into roles they’re unprepared for. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Heart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heart/) ## Related quotes > [“You are exactly the mom God knew your children needed.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lysa-terkeurst/you-are-exactly-the-mom-god-knew-your-children-needed/) [Lysa TerKeurst](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lysa-terkeurst/) > [When tragedy strikes, or even when it looms, our families will have the opportunity to look into our hearts to see whether we know…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-b-eyring/when-tragedy-strikes-or-even-when-it-looms-our-families-will-have-the/) [Henry B. Eyring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-b-eyring/) > [The world we knew as children is still buried within our minds. Our childlike self is the deepest level of our being. 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