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Having children is something we think we ought to do because our parents did it, but when it is over the children are just other members of the human race, rather disappointingly.
John Updike
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects the ambivalence surrounding parenthood and the realization that children, while significant, are ultimately individuals in a larger society.

John Updike's quote captures a cynical perspective on parenthood, suggesting that the decision to have children can feel more like a societal obligation than a fulfilling personal choice. It highlights the idea that, despite the hopes and expectations placed on children, they ultimately grow into individual members of society, which may not align with the romanticized vision many parents hold.

Themes

ParenthoodChildrenExpectationsSocietyAmbivalence

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about societal pressures to start a family, this quote can highlight the complexities of such a decision.

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