Astrid Lindgren quotes

4 quotes by Swedish writer Astrid Lindgren (1907–2002).

1. ‘But then Jonathan said it was something he must do, even if it was dangerous. “Why?” I wondered. “Otherwise you’re not a human being but just a piece of dirt” said Jonathan.’ – Jonathan to Scotty, from The Brothers Lionheart by Astrid Lindgren (1973).
2. ‘Give the children love, more love and still more love – and the common sense will come by itself.’ – Astrid Lindgren’s comment in a debate concerning children’s rights (1948).
3. ‘Mankind is preoccupied with two great things: death and love; these catch the interest of all ages. You shouldn’t scare children to the point of anxiety, but just like adults they need to be moved by art.’ – Astrid Lindgren in Swedish daily Dagens Nyheter, 8 September 1959.
4. ‘Children create miracles when they read. That’s why children need books.’ – The School Library (March, 1958). Astrid Lindgren was asked now and then if she wasn’t going to start writing ‘real’ books soon.