George Orwell
The Quote in Other Words
It appears to be a natural instinct for children aged seven or eight and beyond to refrain from revealing their genuine emotions to adults.
Explanation of the Quote
The quote suggests that children learn to hide their true emotions from adults at a young age. This behavior seems to be instinctive and develops around the age of seven or eight. It is a common phenomenon that many adults can relate to, as they may have experienced it themselves as children.
One possible explanation for this behavior is that children may feel vulnerable and exposed when they reveal their true feelings to adults. They may fear being judged or criticized, or they may worry about the consequences of expressing their emotions. As a result, they learn to suppress their feelings and put on a façade of emotional neutrality.
However, this behavior can have negative consequences in the long run. By hiding their true emotions, children may miss out on opportunities to connect with others and build meaningful relationships. They may also struggle with emotional regulation and have difficulty expressing themselves in healthy ways. Therefore, it is important for adults to create a safe and supportive environment where children feel comfortable sharing their true feelings.