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Your first duty is to be humane. Love childhood. Look with friendly eyes on its games, its pleasures, its amiable dispositions. Which of you does not sometimes look back regretfully on the age when laughter was ever on the lips and the heart free of care? Why steal from the little innocents the enjoyment of a time that passes all too quickly?
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the importance of cherishing childhood and maintaining a humane perspective towards it.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau reflects on the intrinsic value of childhood, urging adults to appreciate and nurture the joy and innocence that define this stage of life. He questions the tendency to take away the simple pleasures of childhood, reminding us of the fleeting nature of this precious time and the need for a compassionate and joyful approach to childhood experiences.

Themes

ChildhoodInnocenceJoyHumaneLaughter

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about child welfare, one might use this quote to stress the importance of protecting children's joy.

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