Children, I grant, should be innocent but when the epithet is applied to men, or women, it is but a civil term for weakness.

Summary

This quote suggests that while it is expected for children to be innocent, innocence in adults is often seen as a sign of weakness. It implies that in the context of adulthood, being innocent or naive is perceived as a lack of knowledge or experience, potentially making one vulnerable or easily manipulated. The quote criticizes the tendency to label grown individuals as innocent, as it may undermine their ability to navigate the complexities of the world.

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