Genuine good taste consists in saying much in few words, in choosing among our thoughts, in having order and arrangement in what we say, and in speaking with composure.
Francois FenelonRead
Children are excellent observers, and will often perceive your slightest defects. In general, those who govern children, forgive nothing in them, but everything in themselves
Interpretation
What this quote means
Children are perceptive and notice the flaws in adults, highlighting the inconsistencies in how adults judge themselves versus others.
This quote emphasizes the keen observation skills of children, who can easily see the imperfections and shortcomings of adults. It suggests a reflection on the double standards adults often hold, where they are more forgiving of their own faults while being critical of the same traits in children, calling for a more compassionate and understanding approach towards their upbringing.
Themes
ChildrenObservationForgivenessParentingSelf-Awareness
In practice
Example use cases
A parent reflecting on their behavior after a child pointed out their inconsistencies.
More from Francois Fenelon
All quotes βTrue prayer is only another name for the love of God. Its excellence does not consist in the multitude of our words; for our Father knoweth what things we have need of before we ask Him. The true prayer is that of the heart, and the heart prays only for what it desires. To pray, then is to desire -- but to desire what God would have us desire. He who asks what he does not from the bottom of his heart desire, is mistaken in thinking that he prays.
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The greatest of all crosses is self. If we die in part every day, we shall have but little to do on the last. These little daily deaths will destroy the power of the final dying.
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How rare it is to find a soul quiet enough to hear God speak.
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If we were faultless we should not be so much annoyed by the defects of those with whom we associate.
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If the crowns of all the kingdoms of the empire were laid down at my feet in exchange for my books and my love of reading I would spurn them all.
Francois FenelonRead
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