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Family Quote by Samuel Butler

“The greater part of every family is always odious; if there are one or two good ones in a very large family, it is as much as can be expected.” quote by Samuel Butler
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““The greater part of every family is always odious; if there are one or two good ones in a very large family, it is as much as can be expected.””

Samuel Butler

About This Quote

Source Novel: “Erewhon”, 1872

He observes that large families often contain many difficult members, with few good ones being the norm.

In simple terms: Big families tend to have many troublesome members.

Key Takeaway

Accept imperfections in family dynamics.

Themes

family human nature expectations

Mood

cynical observational

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • family gatherings
  • parenting
  • inheritance discussions
  • genealogy research

Key Concepts

social critique psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why are some families more harmonious?
  • How do you cope with family challenges?
A Different Perspective

Idealizing family harmony can be unrealistic.

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