About this quote

Growing older doesn't mean you lose the ability to be surprised. Returning to simple stories can loosen a tight head and let curiosity back in. Try it as an experiment: read one short tale tonight and notice what small images or ideas stick with you. If you feel too serious, make a tiny rule—ten minutes of a children's book before bed.

When to use it

• Retirement evening: 'I'm finally old enough to start reading fairy tales again,' I told my wife as I pulled my childhood picture books from the attic.
• Creative team meeting: When ideas stalled I said, 'Go home and read a fairy tale; bring one small weird image in tomorrow,' and we actually got a breakthrough.
• University literature seminar: I told a skeptical student, 'Give these stories another shot when you're older—you'll see layers you missed,' and recommended one short tale to start.
• Recovering from burnout at home: After a week of rest I sat down with a simple bedtime book and thought, 'Maybe I'm ready to read fairy tales again' to remind myself how small joys help.