I no longer believe the conservative message that children…
“I no longer believe the conservative message that children are naturally selfish and destructive creatures who need civilizing by hierarchies or painful controls. On the contrary, I believe that hierarchy and painful controls create destructive people. And I no longer believe the liberal message that children are blank slates on which society can write anything. On the contrary, I believe a unique core self is born into every human being; the result of millennia of environment and heredity combined in an unpredictable way that could never happen before or again.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Feminist Theory, 1992
Children are not inherently selfish nor blank slates; hierarchy and control shape destructive behavior, while each person has a unique core self formed by genetics and environment.
In simple terms: Children’s nature is complex, shaped by both biology and environment, and oppressive structures harm them.
Key Takeaway
Recognize innate individuality and avoid oppressive hierarchies.
Themes
psychology
feminism
development
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- education reform
- parenting
- policy making
Key Concepts
nature vs nurture
social structures
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance structure with freedom?
- What policies support healthy development?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify diverse experiences.