Topics · Ages & Stages
Wisdom about childhood.
What people have learned about childhood the hard way, and what the classics said about it first.
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From the library
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
He who has in himself abundantly the attributes (of the Tao) is like an infant. Poisonous insects will not sting him; fierce beasts will not seize him; birds of prey will not strike him.
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
(The infant's) bones are weak and its sinews soft, but yet its grasp is firm. It knows not yet the union of male and female, and yet its virile member may be excited;—showing the perfection of its physical essence. All day long it will cry without its throat becoming hoarse;—showing the harmony (in its constitution).
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
The multitude of men look satisfied and pleased; as if enjoying a full banquet, as if mounted on a tower in spring. I alone seem listless and still, my desires having as yet given no indication of their presence. I am like an infant which has not yet smiled. I look dejected and forlorn, as if I had no home to go to. The multitude of men all have enough and to spare. I alone seem to have lost…
He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.