Many older wealthy families have learned to instill a…
“Many older wealthy families have learned to instill a sense of public service in their offspring. But newly affluent middle-class parents have not acquired this skill. We areusing our children as symbolsof leisure-class standing without building in safeguards against an overweening sense of entitlementa sense of entitlement that may incline some young people more toward the good life than toward the hard work that, for most of us, makes the good life possible.”
This quote is also attributed to David Elkind in other sources. Attributions for famous quotes are often disputed.
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Wealthy families often teach public service, while newly rich parents may neglect this, leading to entitlement in children
In simple terms: Wealthy families teach service; new rich may not, causing entitlement
Key Takeaway
Teach public service regardless of wealth
Themes
social responsibility
class disparity
entitlement
Mood
concerned
thoughtful
Type
analytical
observational
When to use this quote
- parenting workshops
- school curricula
- community service programs
Key Concepts
sociology
intergenerational values
Questions to Reflect On
- How can families embed service values across classes?
- What barriers prevent new parents from teaching service?
A Different Perspective
Entitlement can be mitigated by deliberate teaching