More company increases happiness, but does not lighten or diminish misery.
Thomas TraherneRead
Certainly Adam in Paradise had not more sweet and curious apprehensions of the world, than I when I was a child.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the innocence and wonder of a child's perception of the world, comparing it to Adam's experience in Paradise.
Thomas Traherne's quote suggests that a child's view of the world is filled with pure joy and fascination, akin to Adam's blissful existence in Paradise before the Fall. It emphasizes the beauty of childhood, where every experience is new and magical, highlighting the importance of maintaining that sense of wonder throughout life.
Themes
ChildhoodWonderInnocenceParadisePerception
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a school speech about the importance of preserving childhood wonder.
More from Thomas Traherne
All quotes βWe do not ignore maturity. Maturity consists in not losing the past while fully living in the present with a prudent awareness of the possibilities of the future.
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Happiness was not made to be boasted, but enjoyed. Therefore tho others count me miserable, I will not believe them if I know and feel myself to be happy; nor fear them.
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To love one person with a private love is poor and miserable: to love all is glorious.
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You never know yourself till you know more than your body.
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The soul is made for action, and cannot rest till it be employed. Idleness is its rust. Unless it will up and think and taste and see, all is in vain.
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