“Part of the reason for the ugliness of adults, in a child’s eyes, is that the child is usually looking upwards, and few faces are at their best when seen from below.”
- June 25, 1903 – January 21, 1950
- Born in India during the British colonial period
- Author, journalist
- Through his representative works “1984” and “Animal Farm,” he presented sharp criticism of totalitarianism and the abuse of power, greatly influencing contemporary literature and thought.
Quote
“Part of the reason for the ugliness of adults, in a child’s eyes, is that the child is usually looking upwards, and few faces are at their best when seen from below.”
Explanation
In this quote, George Orwell offers a playful yet insightful reflection on how perspective shapes our perception of beauty and ugliness. He suggests that children often perceive adults as ugly because they are typically looking upward at them, which distorts their view. From below, faces may seem less flattering, with features like jowls, wrinkles, or chins becoming more pronounced. Orwell’s point is that this physical perspective—literally looking up to adults—contributes to a child’s distorted perception of adult features, making them appear less appealing, regardless of the adults’ actual appearance.
Orwell is also reflecting on the broader psychological gap between children and adults, where children might find adults strange or difficult to understand, and this external physical ugliness mirrors the internal complexities of adult life—its responsibilities, contradictions, and uncertainties. To a child, adults may seem rigid or unapproachable, both in appearance and behavior. Orwell’s mention of perspective suggests that our perceptions—whether of people, events, or circumstances—are deeply influenced by our physical and emotional standpoint.
This idea resonates in modern life as well, where perspective plays a crucial role in how we view people and situations. Children’s perspectives on adults might evolve as they grow older, and they may begin to understand the complexities behind adult behavior and appearance. Orwell’s observation reminds us that our judgments—especially about appearance—are not always objective but are shaped by our physical position, emotional state, and personal experiences.
