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It is only reasonable to allow the administration of…

“It is only reasonable to allow the administration of affairs to mothers before their children reach the age prescribed by law at which they themselves can be responsible. But that father would have reared them ill who could not hope that in their maturity they would have more wisdom and competence…” quote by Michel de Montaigne
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“It is only reasonable to allow the administration of affairs to mothers before their children reach the age prescribed by law at which they themselves can be responsible. But that father would have reared them ill who could not hope that in their maturity they would have more wisdom and competence than his wife.”

Michel de Montaigne

About This Quote

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

A mother should manage a child's affairs until the child reaches legal age, after which the child must be responsible; a father who fails to raise them well cannot expect them to be wiser than his wife.

In simple terms: Mothers manage children until adulthood; fathers must raise them well.

Key Takeaway

Ensure responsible upbringing and legal adulthood transition.

Themes

parenting responsibility law gender roles

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • child custody decisions
  • family law reforms
  • parental guidance programs
  • education planning
  • inheritance matters

Key Concepts

legal age competence wisdom family dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does legal age affect parental responsibility?
  • Should both parents share equal authority?
A Different Perspective

Assumes traditional gender roles and may overlook modern joint parenting dynamics.

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