Meaning: This thought-provoking quote by Joseph Joubert, a French writer and moralist, delves into the contrasting nature of pleasures and pains. Joubert suggests that pleasures are akin to children, representing a sense of innocence, simplicity, and joy, while pains are likened to individuals with wrinkles, symbolizing complexity, hardship, and experience.

When exploring the idea that "pleasures are always children," it becomes apparent that Joubert is drawing attention to the carefree and unburdened nature of pleasure. Much like children who approach life with a sense of wonder and spontaneity, pleasures often bring about feelings of delight, contentment, and lightheartedness. They are simple, immediate, and often associated with joyful experiences such as laughter, love, and fulfillment. Additionally, pleasures can be seen as fleeting and transient, much like the fleeting nature of childhood itself.

On the other hand, the assertion that "pains always have wrinkles" draws attention to the enduring and complex nature of pain. Wrinkles are often associated with the passage of time, experience, and the accumulation of life's challenges. In this context, pains are portrayed as being marked by hardship, struggle, and emotional or physical burden. They are not easily shed or forgotten, and their impact can leave lasting impressions on an individual's life. Moreover, the reference to wrinkles suggests that pains are often accompanied by a sense of weariness, wisdom, and depth, reflecting the idea that enduring hardship can lead to personal growth and resilience.

Joubert's quote invites contemplation on the dichotomy of human experiences, emphasizing the contrasting nature of pleasure and pain. The imagery of children and wrinkles serves to highlight the inherent differences in the way we perceive and experience these two aspects of life. Moreover, the quote also hints at the cyclical nature of pleasure and pain, suggesting that they are intertwined and inseparable elements of the human condition.

From a psychological perspective, this quote can be interpreted as a reflection of the emotional and cognitive impact of pleasure and pain. Pleasures, being likened to children, may evoke feelings of innocence, spontaneity, and joy, stimulating the brain's reward centers and promoting positive emotions. On the other hand, pains, compared to wrinkles, may trigger a range of complex emotional responses, including sadness, anxiety, and distress, which can have a lasting impact on an individual's psychological well-being.

In literature and art, the juxtaposition of pleasures and pains has been a recurring theme, often serving as a source of inspiration for creative expression. Writers, poets, and artists have explored the delicate balance between joy and sorrow, using the contrast between pleasures and pains to evoke powerful emotional responses in their audience. This quote by Joubert encapsulates the timeless fascination with the human experience, offering a poignant reflection on the complexities of life's highs and lows.

In conclusion, Joseph Joubert's quote, "Pleasures are always children, pains always have wrinkles," encapsulates the enduring duality of human experiences. It invites contemplation on the contrasting nature of pleasures and pains, highlighting their respective qualities of innocence and complexity. This thought-provoking statement serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between joy and sorrow, and the profound impact they have on the human psyche and the creative arts.