A child wants things to be a certain way. When you get to be an adult, you just understand that some people are good, some are not, and you can't be naive.
Interpretation
As adults, we learn to accept the complexities of human nature rather than holding naive beliefs about people.
This quote reflects the transition from childhood to adulthood, highlighting how a child's simplicity in wanting things to be perfect contrasts with an adult's understanding of the nuanced reality of human behavior. It suggests that wisdom involves recognizing the duality of people's nature—acknowledging that not everyone is inherently good and that naivety can lead to disillusionment.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about personal growth and the lessons learned in adulthood.
In a society where the roles everyone plays are obvious, the refusal to conform to any standard will excite interest. Be both masculine and feminine, impudent and charming, subtle and outrageous. Let other people worry about being socially acceptable; those types are a dime a dozen, and you are after a power greater than they can imagine.
When you are trying to impress people with words, the more you say, the more common you appear, and the less in control. Even if you are saying something banal, it will seem original if you make it vague, open-ended, and sphinxlike.
The moment people feel they know what to expect from you, your spell on them is broken. More: You have ceded them power.
The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.
The Nihilistic Troll might pretend to be acting in the service of some cause or leader, but don't be fooled. The cause and their supposedly strong convictions are simply a way to justify and provide cover for their abusive behavior.
Only create associations with positive affinities. Make this a rule of life and you will benefit more than from all the therapy in the world.
Nothing that grieves us can be called little: by the eternal laws of proportion a child's loss of a doll and a king's loss of a crown are events of the same size.
I never expect to see a perfect work from an imperfect man.
The devil ain't got no power over me. The devil come, and me shake hands with the devil. Devil have his part to play. Devil's a good friend, too... because when you don't know him, that's the time he can mosh you down.
In my years, I have seen that people must be their own gods and make their own good fortune. The bad will come or not come anyway.
Time is the most valuable asset you don't own.
Self pity is easily the most destructive of the non-pharmaceutical narcotics; it is addictive, gives momentary pleasure and separates the victim from reality.
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