I must take issue with the term 'a mere child,' for it has been my invariable experience that the company of a mere child is infinitely preferable to that of a mere adult.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the value of children's company over that of adults, challenging the perception of childhood as insignificant.
In this quote, Fran Lebowitz reflects on the idea that children possess a unique perspective and authenticity that can often surpass that of adults. She argues against the dismissive term 'a mere child,' suggesting that the simplicity and honesty of children make their companionship far more enriching and preferable than that of adults, who may become weighed down by complexity and societal expectations.
In practice
In a speech about children's role in society, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of valuing their opinions.
Your responsibility as a parent is not as great as you might imagine. You need not supply the world with the next conqueror of disease or major motion picture star. If your child simply grows up to be someone who does not use the word "collectible" as a noun, you can consider yourself an unqualified success.
You should make it hard on yourself to write so youβre easier to read.
Special-interest publications should realize that if they are attracting enough advertising and readers to make a profit, the interest is not so special.
I place a high moral value on the way people behave. I find it repellent to have a lot, and to behave with anything other than courtesy in the old sense of the word - politeness of the heart, a gentleness of the spirit.
Original thought is like original sin: both happened before you were born to people you could not have possibly met.
I never took hallucinogenic drugs because I never wanted my consciousness expanded one unnecessary iota.
Although we give lip service to the notion of freedom, we know the government is no longer the servant of the people but, at last has become the people's master. We have stood by like timid sheep while the wolf killed - first the weak, then the strays, then those on the outer edges of the flock, until at last the entire flock belonged to the wolf.
Poverty in itself does not make men into a rabble; a rabble is created only when there is joined to poverty a disposition of mind, an inner indignation against the rich, against society, against the government.
And who ever said the world was fair, little lady? Maybe death is fair, but certainly not life. We must accept the unfairness as proof of the sublime flux of existence, the capricious music of the universe- and go on about our tasks
Ultimately a hero is a man who would argue with the gods, and so awakens devils to contest his vision. The more a man can achieve, the more he may be certain that the devil will inhabit a part of his creation.
... reality stands before them, yet they don't see it, because what you call real is just the mirror image of your expectations.
For what avail the plough or sail, or land or life, if freedom fail?
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.