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Willful sterility is, from the standpoint of the nation…

“Willful sterility is, from the standpoint of the nation, from the standpoint of the human race, the one sin for which the penalty is national death, race death; a sin for which there is no atonement. No man, no woman, can shirk the primary duties of life, whether for love of ease and pleasure, or…” quote by Theodore Roosevelt
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“Willful sterility is, from the standpoint of the nation, from the standpoint of the human race, the one sin for which the penalty is national death, race death; a sin for which there is no atonement. No man, no woman, can shirk the primary duties of life, whether for love of ease and pleasure, or for any other cause, and retain his or her self-respect.”

Theodore Roosevelt

About This Quote

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

He condemns voluntary childlessness as a grave societal sin, arguing it harms the nation and humanity.

In simple terms: Choosing not to have children is seen as a serious moral failing.

Key Takeaway

Promote responsibility to sustain society.

Themes

family responsibility population morality

Mood

serious warning

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • family planning
  • public health campaigns
  • education on civic duty

Key Concepts

demography ethics national duty

Questions to Reflect On

  • How should societies balance individual rights with demographic needs?
  • What alternatives exist for contributing to society?
A Different Perspective

May ignore personal autonomy and complex social factors.

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