He [David Foster Wallace] compares raising children to…
![“He [David Foster Wallace] compares raising children to raising books, you should take pride in the work you do inside a family and not from how they make out in the world. “It’s good to want a child to do well, but it’s bad to want that glory to reflect back on you,” is what he says.” quote by David Lipsky](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/a4b/david-lipsky-30389_books_he-david-foster-wallace-compares-raising_1575049.jpg)
““He [David Foster Wallace] compares raising children to raising books, you should take pride in the work you do inside a family and not from how they make out in the world. “It’s good to want a child to do well, but it’s bad to want that glory to reflect back on you,” is what he says.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He conveys David Foster Wallace’s view that parenting should be about nurturing, not seeking personal glory through children’s achievements.
In simple terms: Parenting is about love, not ego.
Key Takeaway
Raise children for their growth.
Themes
parenting
humility
expectations
Mood
thoughtful
introspective
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- family life
- education decisions
- career choices
- social expectations
- personal fulfillment
Key Concepts
self‑worth
generational legacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you measure parenting success?
- What boundaries protect against ego‑driven expectations?
A Different Perspective
Societal pressure can still push parents toward vicarious success.