“...children learn much more, far more quickly than adults. Do you know why that is? Because they're open-minded. Because they want to know and they want to learn. Adults, think they know it all. They grow up and forget so easily and instead of opening their minds and developing it they choose what to believe and what not to believe. You can't make a choice on things like that: you either believe or you don't. That's why their learning is slower. They are more cynical, they lose faith and they demend to know things that will help them get by day by day. They've no interest in the extras...It's the extras that make life.”
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Analysis
In this quote from Cecelia Ahern, the author highlights the difference in learning ability between children and adults. Ahern argues that children are able to learn more quickly because they are open-minded and eager to acquire knowledge. On the other hand, adults are portrayed as being close-minded and set in their ways, leading to slower learning. The author suggests that adults lose their ability to believe in things wholeheartedly and instead become cynical, focusing only on practical day-to-day needs. In contrast, Ahern emphasizes the importance of embracing "the extras" in life, such as wonder, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, as they are what truly enrich our lives.
Modern Relevance
In today's fast-paced world, where new information is constantly being introduced and technology is rapidly advancing, the idea of staying open-minded and eager to learn holds more significance than ever before. This quote from Cecelia Ahern highlights the importance of maintaining a childlike curiosity and a willingness to explore beyond the basics in order to truly grow and thrive in all aspects of life.
Usage Example
In her novel, Cecelia Ahern emphasizes the importance of being open-minded and embracing the learning process, especially during childhood. She contrasts the curiosity and eagerness of children with the closed-mindedness and cynicism of adults, highlighting the significance of continuous learning and exploration in life.
Reflection Questions:
In this quote by Cecelia Ahern, the importance of openness, curiosity, and belief in learning is highlighted. Take a moment to reflect on the following questions:
- How do you view the concept of being open-minded in relation to learning and personal growth?
- Have you noticed a difference in your ability to learn and adapt to new information or skills as a child compared to now as an adult? If so, what factors do you think have contributed to this change?
- Do you agree with the idea that adults tend to become more cynical and closed off to new ideas as they grow older? Why or why not?
- What role do you believe faith and belief play in the process of learning and personal development?
- How can you cultivate a mindset of openness and curiosity in your own life to embrace the "extras" that make life richer and more fulfilling?
Similar quotes
“You know, it’s interesting. Children learnmuch more, far more quickly than adults. Do you know why that is?”Elizabeth assumed there was some scientific explanation for it, butshook her head.“Because they’re open-minded. Because they want to know and theywant to learn. Adults”—he shook his head sadly—“think they know it all.They grow up and forget so easily instead of opening their minds, they choosewhat to believe and what not to believe. You can’t make a choice on things likethat, you either believe or you don’t. That’s why their learning is slower. Theyare more cynical, they lose faith, and they only demand to know things thatwill help them get by day by day. They’ve no interest in the extras. But, Elizabeth,”he said, his voice a loud whisper, eyes wide and sparkling, and Elizabethshivered as goose pimples rose on her arms. She felt as if he were sharingthe world’s greatest secret with her.“It’s the extras that make life.”“That make life what?” she whispered.He smiled. “That make life.”Elizabeth swallowed the lump in her throat. “That’s it?”Ivan smiled. “What do you mean, that’s it? How much more can youget than life, how much more can you ask for than life? That’s the gift. Lifeis everything, and you haven’t lived it properly until you believe.”
“Children are the ones that know exactly what's going on in the world, you know. They 'see' more than adults, 'believe' in more, are honest, and will always, 'always' let you know where you stand.”
“It's funny because when you're a child, you believe you can be anything you want to be, go wherever you want to go. There's no limit to what you can dream. You expect the unexpected, you believe in magic, in fairy tales, and in possibilities. Then you grow older and that innocence is shattered and somewhere along the way the reality of life gets in the way and you're hit by the realization that you can't be all you wanted to be, you just might have to settle for a little bit less.Or perhaps a variation of what you once wanted.Why do we stop believing in ourselves? Why do we let facts and figures and anything but dreams rule our lives?”
“That's the thing about lessons, you always learn them when you don't expect them or want them.”
“This story is one for which some people will have to suspend their belief. If it wasn't me and this wasn't happening to me, I would be one of those people.Many won't struggle to believe it, though, for their minds have been opened; unlocked by whatever kind of key causes people to believe. Those people are either born that way or, as babies, when their minds are like little buds, they are nurtured until their petals slowly open and prepare for the very nature of life to feed them. As the rain falls and the sun shines, they grow, grow, grow; minds so open, they go through life aware and accepting, seeing light where there is dark, seeing possibility in dead ends, tasting victory as others spit out failure, questioning when others accept. Just a little less jaded, a little less cynical. A little less likely to throw in the towel. Some peoples' minds open later in life, through tragedy or triumph. Either thing acting as the key to unlatch and lift the lid on that know-it-all box, to accept the unknown, to say goodbye to pragmatism and straight lines. But then there are those whose minds are merely a bouquet of stalks, which bud as they learn new information - a new bud for a new fact - but yet they never open, never flourish. They are the people of capital letters and full stops, but never of question marks and ellipses...”
“You're right, i don't have common sense. I don't want to believe what every one else believes. I have my own thoughts, things that weren't taught to me or things that I didn't read in a book. I learn from experience - you, you are afraid to experience anything and so you will always have your common sense and only your common sense.”