The reason why parents mistreat their children has less to do with character and temperament than with the fact that they were mistreated themselves and were not permitted to defend themselves.

Quote by Alice Miller

Topics: Alice Miller Quotes

Learning is a result of listening, which in turn leads to even better listening and...

Learning is a result of listening, which in turn leads to even better listening and...

Those children who are beaten will in turn give beatings, those who are intimidated will...

Those children who are beaten will in turn give beatings, those who are intimidated will...

It is very difficult for people to believe the simple fact that every persecutor was...

It is very difficult for people to believe the simple fact that every persecutor was...

Regression to the stage of early infancy is not a suitable method in and of...

Regression to the stage of early infancy is not a suitable method in and of...

Good manners are the technique of expressing considerations for the feelings of others.

Good manners are the technique of expressing considerations for the feelings of others.

I was not out to paint beautiful pictures; even painting good pictures was not important...

I was not out to paint beautiful pictures; even painting good pictures was not important...

It is possible to resolve childhood repression safely and without confusion - something that has...

It is possible to resolve childhood repression safely and without confusion - something that has...

Today I should not be identified with any kind of regressive therapy. Wherever I look,...

Today I should not be identified with any kind of regressive therapy. Wherever I look,...

There are people who have benefited from therapy without being confronted with the past at...

There are people who have benefited from therapy without being confronted with the past at...

The results of any traumatic experience, such as abuse, can only be resolved by experiencing,...

The results of any traumatic experience, such as abuse, can only be resolved by experiencing,...

Contempt is the weapon of the weak and a defense against one's own despised and...

Contempt is the weapon of the weak and a defense against one's own despised and...

A rich rogue nowadays is fit company for any gentleman; and the world, my dear,...

A rich rogue nowadays is fit company for any gentleman; and the world, my dear,...

Anger and hate against one we love steels our hearts, but contempt or pity leaves...

Anger and hate against one we love steels our hearts, but contempt or pity leaves...

Comedy is defiance. It's a snort of contempt in the face of fear and anxiety....

Comedy is defiance. It's a snort of contempt in the face of fear and anxiety....

Great art is the contempt of a great man for small art.

Great art is the contempt of a great man for small art.

To be remembered after we are dead, is but poor recompense for being treated with...

To be remembered after we are dead, is but poor recompense for being treated with...

To me all men are equal: there are jackasses everywhere, and I have the same...

To me all men are equal: there are jackasses everywhere, and I have the same...

Old age adds to the respect due to virtue, but it takes nothing from the...

Old age adds to the respect due to virtue, but it takes nothing from the...

Love of glory can only create a great hero; contempt of glory creates a great...

Love of glory can only create a great hero; contempt of glory creates a great...

No wise man can have a contempt for the prejudices of others; and he should...

No wise man can have a contempt for the prejudices of others; and he should...

Without something to hate, we should lose the very spring of thought and action.

Without something to hate, we should lose the very spring of thought and action.