Children Quote by Hilary Mantel
““Your fear is, that if you marry Adèle, you will love her. If you have children, you will love them more than anything else in the world, more than patriotism, more than democracy. If your children grow up, and prove traitors to the people, will you be able to demand their deaths, as the Romans did? Perhaps you will, but perhaps you will not be able to do it. You’re afraid that if you love people you may be deflected from your duty, but it’s because of another kind of love, isn’t it, that the duty is laid upon you?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Wolf Hall, 2009
Love for family can conflict with political duty, raising moral dilemmas about loyalty and sacrifice.
In simple terms: Loving family may clash with one’s duty.
Key Takeaway
Balance personal love with public responsibility.
Themes
duty
family
conflict
Mood
conflicted
serious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- politics
- family decisions
- military command
- legal judgments
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
political ethics
emotional loyalty
Questions to Reflect On
- Can love and duty coexist peacefully?
- What sacrifices are justified for the greater good?
A Different Perspective
Duty may demand harsh choices that strain personal bonds.
