14 Wise Quotes From Childhood Books That You’ll Need In Adult Life!

Do you love children’s literature? We’re pretty sure you adored it as a child. Bedtime stories always managed to create some of the best moments in your imaginary world. Now we treat these novels as naive children stories which were fun but nothing more. But did you know that there’s so much philosophy and life lessons hidden in the simple sentences of those books that most of us have completely missed? In order to convince you, we brought 14 wise quotes from different books that will help and guide you even in your adult life. Check out the list and see which quote resonates with you the most! 

1. "You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.” (Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne)

It was quite hard to pick only one quote from the cutest and clumsiest fictional bear, as the whole book is full of clever thoughts, so we’ll definitely recommend re-reading this sweet childhood story as an adult. As for now, listen to Winnie and don’t be afraid to come out of your comfort zone, because there are many good things outside of it.

2. “It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.” (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll)

Alice in Wonderland is also rich with philosophical quotes and metaphors. This one is perhaps the most popular and meaningful one. We often put labels (especially negative ones) on ourselves and stick to them. In reality, people can change every day, and become the best version of themselves, just like Alice did.

3. “And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: it is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” (The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery)

If only there were more wise people in this world like the Little Prince. The meaning of this quote is very simple: don’t try to be materialistic and logical all the time. Trust your heart and intuition, and only then you’ll see the most important things in life. 

4. “But, first, remember, remember, remember the signs. Say them to yourself when you wake in the morning and when you lie down at night, and when you wake in the middle of the night. And whatever strange things may happen to you, let nothing turn your mind from following the signs.” (The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis)

This one is pretty much a longer version of “Never give up”. The universe is always sending us signs and symbols so that we’ll always stay on the right path. It’s our choice whether to see and accept them or try to ignore. 

5. “At first people refuse to believe that a strange new thing can be done, then they begin to hope it can’t be done, then they see it can be done -- then it is done and all the world wonders why it was not done centuries ago.” (The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett)

People are afraid of changes, even the good ones. They like things the way they are and don’t want to see or do anything new, as new can be scary. But once you actually start doing what you were so afraid to do, you’ll notice that it wasn’t frightening at all, and you wished you had the guts to do it sooner. 

6. “Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet.” (Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery)

We’re sure you’ve guessed the character who said this quote right away, as Anne’s style of expressing herself is quite unique. She’s right, of course; every day is a new beginning, and we can always make things right no matter how wrong they were the day before. 

7. “However small the chance might be of striking lucky, the chance was there.” (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl)

Never be afraid to take the risk and follow your dreams, even if the chance feels small. Remember, fortune favors the brave, and all the achievements of great people were always due to taking a chance at the right moment. 

8. “When people are insulting you, there is nothing so good for them as not to say a word -- just to look at them and think. When you will not fly into a passion, people know you are stronger than they are, because you are strong enough to hold in your rage, and they are not, and they say stupid things they wished they hadn’t said afterward.” (A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett)

Next time you get into a conflict, you’ll know how to handle it like a pro, won’t you? You’ll always end up a winner if you follow the advice of the Little Princess. Kill them with kindness, that’s the best answer to all the haters.

9. “God is good to all of us. He knows what we need better than we do. And just because he thinks it is better not to give you what you want right now doesn’t mean he isn’t answering you. You shall have what you ask for but not until the right time comes.” (Heidi by Johanna Spyri)

Sometimes we can all feel devastated when our prayers “get ignored”. We may feel lonely and lost, but as Heidi notices, we always get what we desire, but only with the right time. Everything has its place and time, we can’t see that, but we should always believe in this simple truth. 

10. “I’ll never be like other people, but that’s alright because I’m a bear.” (A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond)

You might not be a bear like Paddington, but you are one-of-a-kind, just like he is. We all are, and no matter how many similarities we may share with each other, we’re all different and unique. It’s a true gift which should be valued and appreciated. 

11. “Even the smallest one can change the world.” (The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter)

How often do you feel yourself small and not important? Thinking that you can’t change anything in your own life, let alone the big world? But as we saw in the example of Peter Rabbit, once you realize how worthy and mighty you are, you can do anything.

12. “After all, what’s a life, anyway? We’re born, we live a little while, we die.” (Charlotte's Web by E.B. White “Charlotte’s Web”)

We pay too much attention to things that complicate our lives. In reality, life is too short to care for everything that isn’t important and makes us miserable. Live your life to the fullest so that you’ll end up with amazing memories rather than regrets. 

13. “It’s not about what it is, it’s about what it can become.” (The Lorax by Dr. Seuss)

Always see your life in a bigger perspective, and focus on your potential. Even if things aren’t the way you want now, be sure that you are always able to change them. Dr. Seuss would never lie to you.

14. “Money is a needful and precious thing -- and, when well used, a noble thing -- but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for. I’d rather see you poor men’s wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace.” (Little Women by Louisa May Alcott)

Last, but definitely not least, remember that there are things much more essential and meaningful than money and status. The outer things can never bring permanent happiness; you can only find that from within.