The hunter for aphorisms on human nature has to fish in muddy water, and he is even condemned to find much of his own mind.
F. H. BradleyRead
We say that a girl with her doll anticipates the mother. It is more true, perhaps, that most mothers are still but children with playthings.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the relationship between motherhood and childhood, suggesting that even mothers hold onto childlike qualities.
F. H. Bradley's quote explores the idea that the maternal instinct is intertwined with childhood innocence and playfulness. It suggests that while girls anticipate becoming mothers by caring for their dolls, it may be truer that mothers retain childlike qualities themselves, using their children and parenting as a means of engaging with their own inner child. This perspective invites us to consider the complexities of adulthood and the ways in which we carry forward the essence of our youth.
Themes
MotherhoodChildhoodPlayInnocencePsychology
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the psychological aspects of motherhood, this quote highlights the essence of nurturing behaviors.
More from F. H. Bradley
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The secret of happiness is to admire without desiring. And that is not happiness.
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True penitence condemns to silence. What a man is ready to recall he would be willing to repeat.
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Our live experiences, fixed in aphorisms, stiffen into cold epigrams. Our heart's blood, as we write it, turns to mere dull ink.
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Metaphysics is the finding of bad reasons for what we believe on instinct.
F. H. BradleyRead
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