If from infancy you treat children as gods, they are liable in adulthood to act as devils.

What did P. D. James mean by:

If from infancy you treat children as gods, they are liable in adulthood to act as devils.

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This quote suggests that if children are overly indulged, pampered or never held accountable for their actions from a young age, they may grow up to become entitled, selfish, or even destructive adults. The reference to treating children as ‘gods’ implies an excessive reverence or deference towards them, where their every wish is granted and they are never corrected or disciplined. The consequence of this, according to the quote, is that they may become ‘devils’ in adulthood – individuals who lack empathy, respect for others, or a sense of responsibility for their actions.

The quote underscores the importance of balanced parenting and education. While it is crucial to nurture, love, and support children, it is equally important to set boundaries, instill values of respect and empathy, and teach them about consequences. It’s about providing a safe and loving environment where children can learn, grow, and make mistakes, but also understand the impact of their actions.

In today’s world, this idea is particularly relevant. In an era of instant gratification, where children often have access to everything they want at the click of a button, the risk of creating a ‘god-like’ sense of entitlement is high. Parents and educators might struggle with finding the right balance between fulfilling children’s desires and teaching them the value of hard work, patience, and empathy towards others.

In terms of personal development, this quote serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, self-awareness, and respect for others. Regardless of the circumstances of one’s upbringing, as adults, we have the capacity to reflect on our actions and attitudes and make necessary changes. If we find ourselves behaving in a ‘devilish’ manner – acting selfishly, disrespectfully, or without consideration for others – we can choose to change this behavior. In this sense, the quote is not just a commentary on parenting, but also a call to self-improvement and personal growth.

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