Infancy, n. The period of our lives when, according to Wordsworth, 'Heaven lies about us.' The world begins lying about us pretty soon afterward.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Childhood is portrayed as a time of innate innocence and connection to the divine, which is soon replaced by the deception and harsh realities of adult life.
- In plain terms
- Kids start out pure and happy, but the world tricks them quickly.
- What can you take from it?
- Innocence is temporary and inevitably lost to experience.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When did you first feel the world lying to you?
- Is innocence worth protecting at all costs?
Another view
It assumes all children experience heaven-like innocence, ignoring varied backgrounds.
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