The quote from "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry expresses a skeptical view of flowers, characterizing them as delicate and naive beings that rely on their defenses, such as thorns, to protect themselves. The speaker seems to dismiss the notion that these defenses make flowers powerful, suggesting instead that their perceived strength is a false sense of security.
This perspective invites readers to reflect on the nature of vulnerability and the misconceptions surrounding strength. While flowers may try to present an image of toughness through their thorns, the quote implies that their true essence is one of fragility and innocence, raising questions about the value we place on outward appearances versus inner qualities.