Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

jasonlulu_2000 · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 879

If I had influence with the good fairy who is responsible for the chirstening of all children, i should ask that her gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder so undeniable that it would last throughout life, as an unfailing protection against the boredom of later years, the alienation from the souces of our strength.

I cannot understand the meaning of "the alienation from the souces of our strength".

Could anyone help me out?

Thanks a lot.

2006 · Joined: 27 Nov 2006 Posts: 610

Do you know what "alienation" means?

jasonlulu_2000 · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 879

I gather that the word "alienation" means "not welcome" or "lose support".
or "far from".

But I don't know the meaning of "source of strength" in this context?
Could you throw more light upon it? Appreciate it!

Jason

2006 · Joined: 27 Nov 2006 Posts: 610

"alienation" (n) a withdrawing or separation of a person or person's affections from an object or position of former attachment.

Baically it means the loss of a previous 'relationship' with a person, group, cause, belief etc.

So, "the alienation from the sources of our strength" means forgetting or not paying attention to whatever that person believes are the "souces of our strength". Don't ask me what the writer means because I think it is just a bunch of meaningless words.