The Little Prince Quotes

1. "Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them."

This quote is especially ironic to me, because I believe this is the way adults feel when dealing with children. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry used this line to contrast the feelings of a child to an adult, with an adult to a child. This is a funny comparison that I think is well used.

2. "Well, I must endure the presence of two or three caterpillars if I wish to become acquainted with the butterflies. It seems that they are very beautiful."

This quote applies to my life in a special way. It tells me that you must start at the bottom in order to succeed and see the 'beauty' you are aiming for.

3. "To forget a friend is sad. Not every one has had a friend. And if I forget him, I may become like the grown-ups who are no longer interested in anything but figures…"

This quote brings attention to the fact that humans often get so caught up in the hunt for money, and means of survival, that we forget to enjoy ourselves and have fun. I believe this is true, and will help me remember to relax a bit sometimes.

4. "That is the hardest thing of all. It is much harder to judge yourself than to judge others. If you succeed in judging yourself, it's because you're truly a wise man."

Humans are so very quick to judge someone for anything; such as deeds, wrongdoings, appearance, etc. However Exupery calls for humans to attempt to judge themselves first, and that if you succeed in this endeavor you are truly wise. I completely agree with this quote, because I believe when you point a finger, there is always four fingers pointing back at you.

5. "If I were to command a general to turn into a seagull, and if the general did not obey, that would not be the general's fault. It would be mine."

This quote is humorous to me, as a little prince is alluding to commanding a general. However, this quote really makes me think; respect is not a given, it must be earned.