--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The worst fault of the working classes is…" description: "\"The worst fault of the working classes is telling their children they're not going to succeed.\" — John Mortimer" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/630/john-mortimer-7362_children_the-worst-fault-of-the-working-classes-i_905479.jpg" --- # The worst fault of the working classes is telling their… ![“The worst fault of the working classes is telling their children they're not going to succeed.” quote by John Mortimer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/630/john-mortimer-7362_children_the-worst-fault-of-the-working-classes-i_905479.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/630/john-mortimer-7362_children_the-worst-fault-of-the-working-classes-i_905479.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/630/john-mortimer-7362_children_the-worst-fault-of-the-working-classes-i_905479.jpg) > “The worst fault of the working classes is telling their children they're not going to succeed.” [John Mortimer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-mortimer/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote suggests that discouraging children about their prospects is a major failing among working‑class families. **In simple terms:** Discouraging children is a big mistake. Key Takeaway Encourage children’s ambitions. Themes parenting class optimism Mood concerned reflective Type advice social commentary When to use this quote - family discussions - school counseling - community programs Key Concepts self‑fulfilling prophecy social mobility Questions to Reflect On - How can parents foster hope without false optimism? - What community resources can counteract this narrative? A Different Perspective Children may internalize low expectations, limiting potential. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) ## Related quotes > [The worst fault of the working classes is telling their children they're not going to succeed, saying: There is life, but it's not for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-mortimer/the-worst-fault-of-the-working-classes-is-telling-their-children-they-2/) [John Mortimer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-mortimer/) > [The working classes in England were always sentimental, and the Irish and Scots and Welsh. The upper-class English are the stiff-upper-lipped ones. 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