This quote is a poetic way of expressing the purity and innocence of children, and the profound significance of their love. When Dickens says “they, who are so fresh from God,” he is referring to children, who in many belief systems, are considered to be closer to the divine due to their recent arrival into the world. Their love is untainted by the cynicism, bitterness, or disillusionment that can come with age and experience. Hence, their love is pure, honest, and deeply significant.
The phrase “it is not a slight thing” emphasizes the weight and value of this love. It’s not something to be taken lightly or dismissed. The love of a child, being so pure and uncorrupted, is a powerful and precious thing.
Applying this idea in today’s world or personal development could mean acknowledging and valuing the love and affection we receive from children. It might mean striving to preserve that innocence and purity within ourselves, even as we grow and gain experience. It could also mean trying to approach our relationships and the world around us with a childlike sense of wonder and love, unburdened by prejudice or preconceived notions.
Moreover, it could be a reminder to cherish the simple and pure forms of love we often take for granted. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy to overlook the significance of a child’s love, but this quote reminds us of its profound value. It could also inspire us to nurture and protect that innocence and purity in children for as long as we can, and to treat their love with the respect and appreciation it deserves.
In terms of personal development, this quote could serve as a reminder to strive to maintain a sense of purity, innocence, and openness in our own attitudes and behaviors, even as we navigate the complexities of adult life. It suggests that there is something inherently valuable and powerful in the ability to love with the unguarded and unprejudiced heart of a child.