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Children Quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

“Call not that man wretched, who whatever else he suffers as to pain inflicted, or pleasure denied, has a child for whom he hopes and on whom he doats.” quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
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“Call not that man wretched, who whatever else he suffers as to pain inflicted, or pleasure denied, has a child for whom he hopes and on whom he doats.”

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

About This Quote

Source Poem: "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" (excerpt) by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, 1798

A person should not be judged solely by their own suffering, but also by the hope they hold for their child.

In simple terms: Judge people by their hope for their children, not just their own pain.

Key Takeaway

Consider the broader impact of personal hardship.

Themes

compassion parenthood judgment hope

Mood

reflective empathetic

Type

moral philosophical

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • social work
  • mental health counseling
  • community support
  • education

Key Concepts

ethical responsibility empathy intergenerational care

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does personal pain affect one’s capacity to nurture hope?
  • Can hope for a child outweigh personal hardship?
A Different Perspective

The quote may overlook that personal suffering can also diminish one’s ability to provide hope.

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