This quote highlights the profound influence that our earliest upbringing, specifically by our mothers, has on shaping our core values, principles, and ideals. The phrase “at our mother’s knee” symbolizes the infancy and early childhood stages when we are most impressionable. It is during this time that we learn our first lessons of life, absorb values, and form our initial understanding of the world.

The “noblest and truest and highest ideals” refers to the purest, most virtuous, and lofty principles that guide our actions and thoughts throughout life. These could include values like honesty, integrity, kindness, compassion, and perseverance, among others. According to the quote, these ideals are not inherent but are learned, primarily from our mothers.

In today’s world, this quote underscores the importance of early childhood education and parenting. It suggests that the values instilled in a child at a young age significantly determine the kind of person they grow into. This is a call to parents, particularly mothers, to be conscious of the ideals they impart to their children, as these will shape their futures.

In terms of personal development, the quote can inspire introspection about the ideals that guide one’s life and actions. It invites reflection on the values learned in childhood and how they have influenced one’s growth and character. It also encourages individuals to pass on their noblest ideals to the next generation, continuing the cycle of moral and ethical growth.