“I'd give all the wealth that years have piled, the slow result of life's decay, To be once more a little child for one bright summer day.”
Analysis
In this quote by Lewis Carroll, the speaker expresses a longing for the innocence and joy of childhood. The use of the phrase "all the wealth that years have piled" suggests that the speaker would give up everything they have accumulated over the years in exchange for the carefree happiness of being a child again, even if it's just for a single day. This sentiment highlights the idea that the simplicity and wonder of childhood are valued above material possessions or adult responsibilities. The speaker is nostalgic for the purity and freedom of youth, emphasizing the idea that the passing of time can erode these qualities that are so cherished in childhood.
Modern Relevance of Lewis Carroll's Quote
In today's fast-paced society, where adulthood often comes with its own set of stress and responsibilities, Lewis Carroll's desire to return to the simple joys of childhood for even just one day resonates with many people. The quote serves as a reminder to cherish the little moments and to embrace the innocence and wonder that comes with being a child.
Childhood Nostalgia
Example 1: This quote by Lewis Carroll beautifully captures the longing many adults feel to experience the carefree joys of childhood once again.
Example 2: Reflecting on this line from Lewis Carroll's work, one can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the simplicity and innocence of youth.
Reflection Questions:
As we reflect on this quote by Lewis Carroll, we are reminded of the innocence and joy that comes with being a child. Let's take a moment to ponder on the following questions:
- What aspects of childhood do you miss the most?
- How can you incorporate childlike wonder and joy into your adult life?
- In what ways can you tap into the simplicity and purity of being a child?
- How can you appreciate the present moment and find happiness in the little things, just like a child does?
- Reflecting on your own childhood memories, what lessons can you learn or apply to your life now?
Similar quotes
“I love the stillness of the wood; I love the music of the rill:I love the couch in pensive moodUpon some silent hill. Scarce heard, beneath yon arching trees, The silver-crested ripples pass; and, like a mimic brook, the breezeWhispers among the grass. Here from the world I win release, Nor scorn of men, nor footstep rude, Break into mar the holy peace Of this great solitude. Here may the silent tears I weepLull the vested spirit into rest, As infants sob themselves to sleep Upon a mothers breast. But when the bitter hour is gone,And the keen throbbing pangs are still, Oh, sweetest then to couch aloneUpon some silent hill!To live in joys that once have been, To put the cold world out of sight,And deck life's drear and barren sceneWith hues of rainbow-light. For what to man the gift of breath, If sorrow be his lot below; If all the day that ends in deathBe dark with clouds of woe?Shall the poor transport of an hourRepay long years of sore distress—The fragrance of a lonely flower Make glad the wilderness? Ye golden house of life's young spring, Of innocence, of love and truth!Bright, beyond all imagining, Thou fairy-dream of youth!I'd give all wealth that years have piled, The slow result of Life's decay, To be once more a little childFor one bright summer's day.”
“The Indian Summer of life should be a little sunny and a little sad, like the season, and infinite in wealth and depth of tone, but never hustled.”
“It was a rite of passage each year at Manhattan Life Insurance Company. The golden doors would open every summer to a new crop of bright-eyed college students, all of which were over-qualified for a job that required little more than a high school-equivalent GED and a fully loaded MetroCard.”
“Lastly, she pictured to herself how this same little sister of hers would, in the after-time, be herself a grown woman; and how she would keep, through all her riper years, the simple and loving heart of her childhood: and how she would gather about her other little children, and make their eyes bright and eager with many a strange tale, perhaps even with the dream of Wonderland of long ago: and how she would feel with all their simple sorrows, and find a pleasure in all their simple joys, remembering her own child-life, and the happy summer days.”
“Wealth is more often the result of a lifestyle of hard work, perseverance, planning, and, most of all, self-discipline.”