“Oh, man, man, what wonderful creatures these bairnies are! Did it ever occur to you that they must be the majority of the human race?”

Playful wonder at the sheer numbers and power of children across the world · Letter (in The Invisible Playmate, 1894)

• Childhood
• Humanity
• Wonder

“I do not know of a more conclusive proof that the wisdom of the East has not been overrated than the fact that among the Hindoos the Children are known as the Baba log — the Baba folk.”

Delight in the Eastern recognition of children as a revered and powerful folk · Digression on the Small People, Children’s Sayings (1900)

• Childhood
• Culture
• Wisdom

“East and West tradition is the same: they have ever been a race of plaguey, adorable, impish, angelic, indistinguishable, unique little creatures; radiant as the dawn, changeable as April; the dewy flower of humanity.”

Affectionate summary of the universal charm and mischief of children · Digression on the Small People, Children’s Sayings (1900)

• Beauty
• Childhood
• Tradition