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I think that when you emigrate, when everything you took for granted disappears, it's a kind of loss of innocence. When you're a kid, the world as you know it is just there. Suddenly, you emigrate and that's no longer the case. It's a break in reality that parachutes you into adulthood.
Masha Gessen
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Emigrating can lead to a profound shift in one's understanding of the world, marking the end of innocence.

This quote by Masha Gessen reflects on the transformative experience of emigration, suggesting that it brings about a significant change in one's perception of reality. The loss of familiarity and the comforts of home can create a sense of disillusionment, propelling individuals into a more complex and often challenging adulthood, where they must navigate new cultures, norms, and identities.

Themes

EmigrationChangeLossInnocenceAdulthood

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be shared during a talk about the challenges and experiences of immigrants.

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