The quote "There is nothing more atrociously cruel than an adored child" from Vladimir Nabokov's "Lolita" encapsulates the complexities of love and affection in a profound way. It suggests that excessive love and adoration can lead to a sense of entitlement and power, resulting in behavior that may be harmful to others. This idea challenges the conventional notion that love is always positive, revealing the darker sides of affection when it becomes overwhelming and unrestrained.

Nabokov's work often explores themes of obsession and the moral ambiguities surrounding desire. By highlighting the cruelty that can emerge from an adored child's behavior, he invites readers to reflect on the consequences of misplaced affection. This quote serves as a reminder that love, while beautiful, can also give rise to intense complexities and moral dilemmas, particularly when it favors one individual at the expense of another's well-being.