America's future will be determined by the home and the school. The child becomes largely what he is taught; hence we must watch what we teach, and how we live.
Jane AddamsRead
I might believe I had unusual talent if I did not know what good music was; I might enjoy half an hour's practice a day if I were busy and happy the rest of the time. You do not know what life means when all the difficulties are removed! I am simply smothered and sickened with advantages. It is like eating a sweet dessert the first thing in the morning.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the importance of challenges and struggles in appreciating life and personal growth.
Jane Addams emphasizes that without the presence of hardships and difficulties, one cannot truly know the depth and meaning of life. She compares the experience of having constant advantages to indulging in sweet desserts without ever facing any bitter realities, suggesting that challenges foster growth and understanding.
Themes
ChallengesLifeGrowthAdvantagesMusic
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about resilience, this quote can highlight the value of overcoming obstacles.
More from Jane Addams
All quotes →Action indeed is the sole medium of expression for ethics.
Jane AddamsRead
I am not one of those who believe - broadly speaking - that women are better than men. We have not wrecked railroads, nor corrupted legislatures, nor done many unholy things that men have done; but then we must remember that we have not had the chance.
Jane AddamsRead
Nothing could be worse than the fear that one had given up too soon, and left one unexpended effort that might have saved the world.
Jane AddamsRead
National events determine our ideals, as much as our ideals determine national events.
Jane AddamsRead
If the meanest man in the republic is deprived of his rights,then every man in the republic is deprived of his rights.
Jane AddamsRead
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