QuoteProject
The monsters of our childhood do not fade away, neither are they ever wholly monstrous.
John Le Carre
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Our childhood fears and issues persist into adulthood, often shaped by complex realities.

This quote suggests that the fears and challenges we faced in childhood do not simply vanish as we grow older; instead, they evolve and remain a part of us. Additionally, it implies that these 'monsters' may not always take on the form of pure evil, as they often embody complexities rooted in our experiences and perceptions, reminding us that our understanding of fear and danger can change over time.

Themes

ChildhoodMonstersFearComplexityPerception

In practice

Example use cases

Sharing this quote during a discussion about childhood memories and their impact on adult life.

More from John Le Carre

I began writing when I was still in the British Foreign Service, and it was then understood that even if you wrote about butterfly collecting, you used another name.
John Le CarreRead
In every war zone that I've been in, there has been a reality and then there has been the public perception of why the war was being fought. In every crisis, the issues have been far more complex than the public has been allowed to know.
John Le CarreRead
The cat sat on the mat is not a story. The cat sat on the other cat’s mat is a story.
John Le CarreRead
Coming home from very lonely places, all of us go a little mad: whether from great personal success, or just an all-night drive, we are the sole survivors of a world no one else has ever seen.
John Le CarreRead
If I had to put a name to it, I would wish that all my books were entertainments. I think the first thing you've got to do is grab the reader by the ear, and make him sit down and listen. Make him laugh, make him feel. We all want to be entertained at a very high level.
John Le CarreRead
We've had enough." He took back the report and jammed it under his arm. "We've had a bellyful, in fact." "And like everyone who's had enough," said Control as Alleline noisily left the room, "he wants more.
John Le CarreRead

Similar quotes

...the agony of my soul found vent in one loud, long and final scream of despair.
Edgar Allan PoeRead
And here, over the portals of my fort, I shall cut in the stone the word which is to be my beacon and my banner. The word which will not die should we all perish in battle. The word which can never die on this earth, for it is the heart of it and the meaning and the glory. The sacred word: EGO
Ayn RandRead
In the fulfillment of your duties, let your intentions be so pure that you reject from your actions any other motive than the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
Pope John Paul IiRead
When Southern people tell us they are no more responsible for the origin of slavery than we are, I acknowledge the fact. When it is said that the institution exists, and that it is very difficult to get rid of it in any satisfactory way, I can understand and appreciate the saying.
Abraham LincolnRead
People shouldn't be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people.
Alan MooreRead
Every major religion today is a winner in the Darwinian struggle waged among cultures, and none ever flourished by tolerating its rivals.
E. O. WilsonRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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