"A child learns to discard his ideals, whereas a grown-up never wears out his short pants"

This quote by Karl Kraus talks to the concept that as we age, we become more jaded and negative. As kids, we have a sense of idealism and optimism that is frequently lost as we age. We learn to discard our perfects and end up being more sensible and pragmatic. We become more knowledgeable about the severe realities of life and the world around us. On the other hand, a grown-up never ever wears his short trousers, suggesting that even as adults, we can still maintain a sense of innocence and naivety. We can still have a sense of marvel and appreciation for the world around us, even if we have ended up being more knowledgeable about its defects. This quote motivates us to keep our childish spirit alive, even as we get older.