Breeding Quote by Hilary Mantel
““...I shall be as tender to you as my father was not to me. For what's the point of breeding children, if each generation does not improve on who went before?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, 2009
The narrator questions the value of procreation if each generation fails to improve upon its predecessors.
In simple terms: If children aren't better than us, why have them?
Key Takeaway
Consider the responsibility of raising better generations.
Themes
legacy
parenthood
progress
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- family planning
- education reform
- philosophical debate
- personal values
Key Concepts
intergenerational ethics
human improvement
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines improvement across generations?
- Can love alone justify having children?
A Different Perspective
The view may overlook the intrinsic value of life beyond improvement.
