childhood

n. The period of human life past the idiocy of infancy, once removed from the folly of youth, twice removed from the sin of manhood, and thrice removed from the dementia of old age.

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Cynical Quotations

When childhood dies, its corpses are called adults and they enter society, one of the politer names of hell. That is why we dread children, even if we love them. They show us the state of our decay.

— Brian Aldiss

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People who get nostalgic about childhood were obviously never children.

— Bill Watterson

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A happy childhood has spoiled many a promising life.

— Robertson Davies

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A happy childhood is poor preparation for human contacts.

— Colette

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