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What the best and wisest parent wants for his own child…

“What the best and wisest parent wants for his own child, that must the community want for all of its children.” quote by John Dewey
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“What the best and wisest parent wants for his own child, that must the community want for all of its children.”

John Dewey

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A wise parent’s hopes for their child should reflect the community’s collective desire for all children’s well‑being.

In simple terms: Parents should want for their child what society should want for every child.

Key Takeaway

Align personal parenting goals with communal responsibility.

Themes

education community responsibility child development

Mood

reflective optimistic

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • parenting decisions
  • public policy
  • school curricula
  • child welfare programs

Key Concepts

democratic education social contract collective welfare

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can families contribute to community-wide child welfare?
  • What tensions arise between personal and collective expectations?
A Different Perspective

Balancing individual family values with broader societal expectations can be complex.

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