A child's spirit is like a child, you cannot catch it by running after it; you must stand still, and, for love, it will soon itself come back.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Miller compares the human spirit to a child that returns when approached with patience and love rather than force.
- In plain terms
- Do not chase the spirit; wait patiently and lovingly for it to return.
- What can you take from it?
- Patience and love are more effective than force in recovering what is lost.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you win people back?
- When does patience help?
Another view
Sometimes force is necessary for safety.
More from Arthur Miller
Abby, I may think of you softly from time to time. But I'll cut off my right hand before I ever reach for you again.
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