Children Quote by Tim Kreider
““Most of my married friends now have children, the rewards of which appear to be exclusively intangible and, like the mysteries of some gnostic sect, incommunicable to outsiders. In fact it seems from the outside as if these people have joined a dubious cult: they claim to be much happier and more fulfilled than ever before, even though they live in conditions of appalling filth and degradation, deprived of the most basic freedoms and dignity, and owe unquestioning obedience to a capricious and demented master.””
About This Quote
Source Article: “The Cult of Parenting” by Tim Kreider, The New York Times, 2015
Parenthood is portrayed as a secretive, demanding devotion that promises happiness but imposes severe personal costs.
In simple terms: Parenting feels like a cult, offering joy but demanding freedom.
Key Takeaway
Question the cost of happiness.
Themes
family
parenthood
cult dynamics
happiness
freedom
Mood
conflicted
critical
reflective
Type
observational
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- new parents
- married couples
- social observers
- policy makers
Key Concepts
psychology
social pressure
identity
sacrifice
Questions to Reflect On
- What freedoms are sacrificed for perceived fulfillment?
- How does societal pressure shape parenting choices?
A Different Perspective
Happiness may be overstated; not all families experience joy.
