---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Families, when a child is born Want it to…"
description: "\"Families, when a child is born Want it to be intelligent. I, through intelligence, Having wrecked my whole life, Only hope the baby will prove Ignorant..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/52b/stephen-king-13_baby_families-when-a-child-is-born-want-it-to_1632338.jpg"
---

#  Families, when a child is born Want it to be intelligent…

![“Families, when a child is born Want it to be intelligent. I, through intelligence, Having wrecked my whole life, Only hope the baby will prove Ignorant and stupid. Then he will crown a tranquil life By becoming a Cabinet Minister.” quote by Stephen King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/52b/stephen-king-13_baby_families-when-a-child-is-born-want-it-to_1632338.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/52b/stephen-king-13_baby_families-when-a-child-is-born-want-it-to_1632338.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/52b/stephen-king-13_baby_families-when-a-child-is-born-want-it-to_1632338.jpg)

> “Families, when a child is born Want it to be intelligent. I, through intelligence, Having wrecked my whole life, Only hope the baby will prove Ignorant and stupid. Then he will crown a tranquil life By becoming a Cabinet Minister.”

[Stephen King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-king/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A parent wishes a child to be unintelligent to avoid future disappointment, hoping for a simple life.

**In simple terms:** Desires a child’s ignorance for a peaceful life.

Key Takeaway

Reflect on expectations of intelligence.

Themes

family parenting expectations political

Mood

somber thoughtful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

- parental advice
- career choice
- personal fulfillment

Key Concepts

psychology social pressure fate

Questions to Reflect On

- What are the risks of wishing ignorance?
- How do expectations shape identity?

A Different Perspective

Promotes harmful stereotypes about intelligence.

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