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Family Quote by Oliver Goldsmith

“I was ever of the opinion, that the honest man who married and brought up a large family, did more service than he who continued single, and only talked of population.” quote by Oliver Goldsmith
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“I was ever of the opinion, that the honest man who married and brought up a large family, did more service than he who continued single, and only talked of population.”

Oliver Goldsmith

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Citizen of the World, 1760

A married man’s family life is seen as more valuable than a single life focused only on population concerns.

In simple terms: Family service outweighs single life focused on population.

Key Takeaway

Value contributions of family life.

Themes

family service population ethics

Mood

thoughtful balanced

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • community building
  • family planning
  • social policy

Key Concepts

social responsibility family dynamics population growth

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are the merits of single versus family life?
  • How do societal expectations shape these views?
A Different Perspective

Single life can also contribute meaningfully to society.

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