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The excessive regard of parents for their children, and…

“The excessive regard of parents for their children, and their dislike of other people's is, like class feeling, patriotism, save-your-soul-ism, and other virtues, a mean exclusiveness at bottom.” quote by Thomas Hardy
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“The excessive regard of parents for their children, and their dislike of other people's is, like class feeling, patriotism, save-your-soul-ism, and other virtues, a mean exclusiveness at bottom.”

Thomas Hardy

About This Quote

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

Parental favoritism and exclusive virtues create social divisions, making love and empathy harder across groups.

In simple terms: Exclusive love breeds division.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate inclusive empathy.

Themes

family social class exclusivity

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical social commentary

When to use this quote

  • education
  • community building
  • family counseling
  • policy making

Key Concepts

social hierarchy moral philosophy empathy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies promote inclusive love?
  • What actions break down class‑based exclusivity?
A Different Perspective

Changing deep‑seated cultural norms is difficult.

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