“Children wish fathers looked but with their eyes; fathers that children with their judgment looked; and either may be wrong.”
- April 26, 1564 – April 23, 1616
- Born in England
- Playwright, poet, actor
- Wrote many masterpieces such as “Hamlet,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Macbeth,” and had a great influence on English literature
Quote
“Children wish fathers looked but with their eyes; fathers that children with their judgment looked; and either may be wrong.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice reflects the disconnect that often exists between generations, particularly between parents and children. “Children wish fathers looked but with their eyes” implies that children often wish their fathers would see the world through their eyes, meaning they desire a more understanding or sympathetic view from their parents, one that sees the world from the child’s perspective. On the other hand, “fathers that children with their judgment looked” suggests that fathers, in turn, wish their children would view situations with the same wisdom and experience they have gained over time. The final phrase, “and either may be wrong”, acknowledges that both perspectives—children’s desires for empathy and understanding, as well as fathers’ calls for reason and judgment—can be flawed, and that misunderstanding can arise from both sides.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the intergenerational gap in perspectives, where parents and children often have differing views on the same situations due to their age, experience, and priorities. Parents may see their children’s choices or desires as immature, while children may feel their parents don’t understand the challenges they face. This tension can arise in areas such as career choices, relationships, and life goals, where parents may have more pragmatic advice while children are seeking autonomy and understanding.
Ultimately, this quote highlights the importance of empathy and communication between generations. It reminds us that both perspectives—whether from parents or children—hold valid concerns and emotions, and that bridging the gap through mutual respect and understanding is key to avoiding misunderstandings. The acknowledgment that both sides can be wrong suggests the importance of openness and compromise in building strong, supportive relationships.
