"Es más saludable, en cualquier caso, escribir para los adultos en los que se convertirán los niños que para los niños que a menudo son los críticos "maduros"."

At the heart of this quote lies the idea that creating meaningful work—whether it's writing, art, or any form of expression—is better aimed at the grown-ups our children will eventually be, rather than trying to please critics who may not always have the same insightful perspective. Essentially, it's urging us to think long-term and focus on deeper impact rather than immediate approval.

This perspective reminds me of an author writing a children’s book. The author could choose to stick to superficial themes and flashy characters that momentarily captivate young readers. But instead, she chooses to weave in themes of empathy, resilience, and curiosity—qualities that will stick with those kids as they grow up. This choice might not win her immediate critical acclaim, but it will resonate much more deeply over time.

Think about it. Critics can be like those people who never grew up, always quick to judge and find fault, often missing the forest for the trees. They are, in a sense, the "mature" children mentioned in the quote. They may focus on what’s trendy or what's missing in a piece of work rather than its potential long-term impact. On the other hand, writing for the future adults our children will become means planting seeds now—seeds that will grow into strong trees over time.

So how do we apply this in real life? Let’s dive into a detailed example. Imagine you’re a teacher. You’ve got a curriculum to follow, and it's easy to get caught up in teaching to the test because that’s what administrators and some parents might be pushing for. But what if you focused instead on teaching your students critical thinking skills, encouraging their creativity, and fostering a love for learning? These are the talents that will serve them well throughout their lives, even if they don’t get immediate top scores on standardized tests.

Now, let’s shift to a more personal story. Think of a parent raising their child. It’s tempting to focus on short-term wins—getting the child into the best preschool, making sure they’re involved in every extracurricular activity possible. But what if, instead, the parent focuses on instilling values like kindness, perseverance, and integrity? Imagine those bedtime stories and family dinners where real conversation happens, where the child learns to listen, to empathize, to think critically. That child grows up not just with a resume of activities, but with a solid character and the ability to navigate the complexities of adult life.

So here’s the advice: In whatever you do—whether you’re a writer, a teacher, a parent, or any kind of mentor—try to think about the long game. It’s not about the quick wins or the immediate pats on the back from "mature" critics. It's about the enduring impact you can have on the future selves of the children you influence.

In a nutshell, aim higher and think deeper. Write, teach, and parent in ways that will matter in the long run. It might not always be the easiest path, but it’s surely the one that will yield the most meaningful results.