Bird Specimens

Famous quotes containing the words bird and/or specimens:

    What bird so sings, yet so does wail?
    O, ‘tis the ravished nightingale!
    “Jug, jug, jug, jug, tereu,” she cries,
    And still her woes at midnight rise.
    Brave prick-song! who is’t now we hear?
    None but the lark so shrill and clear;
    John Lyly (1553–1606)

    If we view our children as stupid, naughty, disturbed, or guilty of their misdeeds, they will learn to behold themselves as foolish, faulty, or shameful specimens of humanity. They will regard us as judges from whom they wish to hide, and they will interpret everything we say as further proof of their unworthiness. If we view them as innocent, or at least merely ignorant, they will gain understanding from their experiences, and they will continue to regard us as wise partners.
    Polly Berrien Berends (20th century)