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About this quote

What does it mean?
The least intelligent children are the most childish, and the least intelligent adults are the most adult.
In plain terms
Stupid children act childish, and stupid adults act most grown-up.
What can you take from it?
Stupidity often manifests as clinging to childish or adult roles.

Where it applies

  • critiquing behavior
  • comparing ages
  • judging maturity

Putting it to work

  • identifying immaturity
  • reflecting on intelligence
  • critiquing society

Questions to consider

  • What makes someone childish?
  • Is adulthood just a habit?

Another view

The statement generalizes intelligence and behavior without nuance.

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