There are many good people who are denied the supreme…
““There are many good people who are denied the supreme blessing of children, and for these we have the respect and sympathy always due to those who, from no fault of their own, are denied any of the other great blessings of life. But the man or woman who deliberately foregoes these blessings, whether from viciousness, coldness, shallow-heartedness, self-indulgence, or mere failure to appreciate aright the difference between the all-important and the unimportant—why, such a creature merits contempt as hearty as any visited upon the soldier who runs away in battle, or upon the man who refuses to work for the support of those dependent upon him, and who though able-bodied is yet content to eat in idleness the bread which others provide.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People denied children or other blessings deserve sympathy, but those who reject them deliberately are contemptible.
In simple terms: Sympathy for those unlucky, contempt for those who choose not to.
Key Takeaway
Respect natural blessings; condemn willful neglect.
Themes
children
blessings
sympathy
contempt
responsibility
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- parenting decisions
- family planning
- social welfare
- charitable work
- personal responsibility
Key Concepts
ethics
social duty
human dignity
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you judge those who remain childfree?
- How do you differentiate between choice and circumstance?
A Different Perspective
Not all circumstances are comparable; empathy may be complex.