Birth Quote by Sophocles
“But whoever gives birth to useless children, what would you say of him except that he has bred sorrows for himself, and furnishes laughter for his enemies.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Philoctetes, 5th century BC
Having children who bring no value brings sorrow to the parent and joy to adversaries.
In simple terms: Useless offspring cause grief for parents, delight for foes.
Key Takeaway
Consider the impact of one's legacy.
Themes
family
responsibility
consequence
Mood
tragic
reflective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- family planning
- education
- community leadership
- personal legacy
Key Concepts
legacy
ethical parenting
social perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define a child's value?
- What responsibilities do parents have to society?
A Different Perspective
Not all children are inherently useless; context matters.
