Character Quote by William Gouge
““Extremes on either side are dangerous and pernicious to parent and child. For remissness will make children careless of all duty to God and parent; rigor will make them desperate. But virtue and safety consists in the balance between both.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Whole Duty of Man, William Gouge, 1658
Extreme parenting styles—either laxity or harshness—harm children; balance is essential for moral and spiritual development.
In simple terms: Balanced parenting avoids neglect and oppression.
Key Takeaway
Seek a middle path in parenting.
Themes
parenting
morality
spirituality
balance
child development
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
theological
advisory
When to use this quote
- family upbringing
- church guidance
- educational settings
- personal parenting choices
Key Concepts
virtue ethics
moderation
religious duty
Questions to Reflect On
- What does a balanced approach look like today?
- How can parents avoid slipping into extremes?
A Different Perspective
Historical context may differ; modern parenting theories add nuance.
![“Reprehension is a kind of middle thing betwixt admonition and correction: it is sharpe admonition, but a milde correction. It is rather to be used because it may be a meanes to prevent strokes and blowes, especially in ingenuous and good natured children. [Blows are] the last remedy which a parent…” quote by William Gouge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8b8/william-gouge-47709_admonition_reprehension-is-a-kind-of-middle-thing-b_174332.jpg)
