Childhood is measured out by sounds and smells and sights, before the dark hour of reason grows.

Summary

This quote by John Betjeman highlights the notion that childhood is defined and experienced through sensory perceptions. In childhood, our understanding of the world is primarily guided by the sounds we hear, the smells we encounter, and the sights we witness. These sensory experiences shape our emotions, memories, and imagination, constituting the essence of our innocent and carefree existence. However, as we age, the quote suggests that reason and rationality gradually overshadow and diminish the magical worldview of childhood, marking the transition into maturity.