QuoteProject
There's a great power of imagination about these little creatures, and a creative fancy and belief that is very curious to watch . . . I am sure that horrid matter-of-fact child-rearers . . . do away with the child's most beautiful privilege. I am determined that Anny shall have a very extensive and instructive store of learning in Tom Thumbs, Jack-the-Giant-Killers, etc.
William Makepeace Thackeray
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Imagination in children is vital for their development, and practical-minded adults may stifle this creativity.

In this quote, Thackeray emphasizes the importance of imagination in childhood. He suggests that children should be allowed to explore fantastical stories and creative ideas, as these experiences enhance their learning and retain their natural sense of wonder. The quote critiques those who focus solely on practical, matter-of-fact approaches to raising children, asserting that such rigidity can strip away the beautiful privilege of imaginative play and storytelling that is crucial for their development.

Themes

ImaginationChildrenCreativityLearningStories

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about childhood education, someone might quote Thackeray to advocate for storytelling in the curriculum.

More from William Makepeace Thackeray

There are many sham diamonds in this life which pass for real, and vice versa.
William Makepeace ThackerayRead
When you look at me, when you think of me, I am in paradise.
William Makepeace ThackerayRead
And in those varieties of pain of which we spoke anon, what a part of confidante has that poor teapot played ever since the kindly plant was introduced among us! What myriads of women have cried over it, to be sure! What sickbeds it has smoked by! What fevered lips have received refreshment from out of it! Nature meant very gently by women when she made that teaplant; and with a little thought what a series of pictures and groups the fancy may conjure up and assemble round the teapot and cup!
William Makepeace ThackerayRead
The play is done; the curtain drops,_x000D_ _x000D_ Slow falling to the prompter's bell_x000D_ _x000D_ A moment yet the actor stops_x000D_ _x000D_ And looks around to say farewell.
William Makepeace ThackerayRead
The moral world has no particular objection to vice, but an insuperable repugnance to hearing vice called by its proper name.
William Makepeace ThackerayRead
it is the ordinary lot of people to have no friends if they themselves care for nobody
William Makepeace ThackerayRead

Similar quotes

Higher education is the place where people who had big plans in high school get stuck in fierce rivalries with equally smart peers over conventional careers like management consulting and investment banking. For the privilege of being turned into conformists, students (or their families) pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in skyrocketing tuition that continues to outpace inflation. Why are we doing this to ourselves?
Peter ThielRead
We want a book to be a book. We'll have all the interactive bells and whistles but our intent is to engage young people in reading, not to show them a movie.
Levar BurtonRead
When I teach writing, I have a mantra: 'Be a first-rate version of yourself, and not a second-rate version of another writer.'
David MorrellRead
When entire companies embrace a growth mindset, their employees report feeling far more empowered and committed; they also receive far greater organizational support for collaboration and innovation.
Carol S. DweckRead
The only skill that will be important in the 21st century is the skill of learning new skills.Everythi ng else will become obsolete over time.
Peter DruckerRead
Language is like a road, it cannot be perceived all at once because it unfolds in time, whether heard or read. This narrative or temporal element has made writing and walking resemble each other.
Rebecca SolnitRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.