"The knowledge that makes us cherish innocence makes innocence unattainable"

This quote by Irving Howe speaks to the paradox of innocence. On one hand, we value innocence because of our knowledge of the world and the experiences that feature it. We acknowledge innocence as something pure and stunning, and we long for it. On the other hand, our understanding of the world and the experiences that feature it likewise make innocence unattainable. We know that innocence is vulnerable and can be taken away in an immediate, and that it is impossible to return to a state of innocence once it is lost. This quote speaks to the bittersweetness of life and the duality of understanding and innocence. We can value innocence, however we also understand that it is fleeting and can never ever be fully regained.