I began to speak well at a very advanced age – 15, 16, 17 years old. It was psychological: the trauma of war, my family and growing up on my own. I was more or less a street kid.

Theodore Bikel

The Quote in Other Words

I didn’t start speaking proficiently until I was in my mid-teens, around 15, 16, or 17 years old. This was due to various psychological factors, such as the impact of war, my family situation, and having to fend for myself as a young person. Essentially, I was like a kid from the streets.

Explanation of the Quote

This quote speaks to the power of resilience and the ability to overcome adversity. The speaker’s difficult upbringing and experiences with war may have hindered their ability to communicate effectively at a young age, but they were able to overcome these obstacles and develop their speaking skills later in life. This highlights the importance of perseverance and the potential for growth and development even in the face of challenging circumstances.

Additionally, this quote sheds light on the impact of trauma on one’s development and communication abilities. Traumatic experiences can have a profound effect on a person’s psychological well-being and may hinder their ability to communicate effectively. It is important to recognize and address the effects of trauma in order to promote healing and growth.

Overall, this quote emphasizes the importance of resilience, perseverance, and addressing the effects of trauma in order to overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth.