Quote by George Eliot
Children demand that their heroes should be freckleless, and easily believe them so: perhaps a first discovery to the contrary is less revolutionary shock to a passionate child than the threatened downfall of habitual beliefs which makes the world seem to totter for us in maturer life.
Summary
This quote suggests that children tend to create idealized versions of their heroes, free from flaws or imperfections. They easily believe in these versions and expect them to be flawless. However, when confronted with the reality that their heroes are not perfect, it may not be as shocking to them as it is for adults who have created longstanding beliefs and perceptions. The quote implies that the discovery of imperfections in our idols can be more devastating for adults, as it challenges their deeply rooted beliefs and causes a sense of instability.
Topics
Heroes/heroism
By George Eliot