Heaven lies about us in our infancy and the world begins lying about us pretty soon afterward.

What did Ambrose Bierce mean by:

Heaven lies about us in our infancy and the world begins lying about us pretty soon afterward.

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This quote suggests that when we are born, we are pure, innocent, and untouched by the world’s influences – akin to being in ‘heaven’. This is the state of our ‘infancy’, a metaphorical term referring to the beginning of our lives. However, as soon as we start interacting with the world, we become subject to its distortions and manipulations, hence the world ‘begins lying about us’.

The ‘lying’ here refers to the various societal norms, expectations, and prejudices that can shape and often distort our self-perception and identity. As we grow, we are told who we are supposed to be, what we are supposed to do, and how we are supposed to act, often leading us to stray from our authentic selves.

In today’s world, this idea is more relevant than ever. With the advent of social media and the internet, external influences and societal pressures are omnipresent. From a young age, children are exposed to a barrage of information about what they should look like, how they should behave, and who they should aspire to be. This can lead to a disconnect from their true selves and a sense of dissatisfaction or incongruence.

In terms of personal development, this quote serves as a reminder to stay true to one’s self. It suggests the importance of introspection, self-awareness, and authenticity. It encourages us to question societal norms and expectations, and not to let external influences define us. Instead, we should strive to discover and express our true selves, and not the version of ourselves that the world wants us to be.

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