Charge Quote by John Stuart Mill
““It still remains unrecognised, that to bring a child into existence without a fair prospect of being able, not only to provide food for its body, but instruction and training for its mind, is a moral crime, both against the unfortunate offspring and against society; and that if the parent does not fulfil this obligation, the State ought to see it fulfilled, at the charge, as far as possible, of the parent.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Subjection of Women” (or similar social reform writings), 1869
Providing children with both material sustenance and intellectual development is a societal duty; neglecting this is a moral failure that the state must address.
In simple terms: Children need food and education; failing that is a moral crime.
Key Takeaway
Support policies that ensure child welfare and education.
Themes
ethics
social responsibility
education
state duty
Mood
concerned
serious
determined
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- parenting
- government legislation
- non‑profit programs
Key Concepts
human rights
social contract
public policy
Questions to Reflect On
- What obligations do parents have beyond basic care?
- How should societies balance individual and collective responsibility?
A Different Perspective
Implementation can be hampered by resource limits and political opposition.
![“[For people] to refuse a hearing to an opinion, because they are sure that it is false, is to assume that their certainty is the same thing as absolute certainty. All silencing of discussion is an assumption of infallibility.” quote by John Stuart Mill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c53/john-stuart-mill-477_doubt_for-people-to-refuse-a-hearing-to-an-opi_63929.jpg)
