There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music.
T. S. EliotRead
If you desire to drain to the dregs the fullest cup of scorn and hatred that a fellow human being can pour out for you, let a young mother hear you call dear baby 'it.'
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the deep emotional connection a mother has with her child and the immense disdain she may feel if her child is referred to in a dismissive manner.
T. S. Eliot's quote reflects on the profound bond between a mother and her child, suggesting that calling her offspring 'it' is not only dehumanizing but also deeply offensive. This phrase encapsulates the idea that our words carry weight and can evoke strong feelings of love or scorn, particularly in the context of familial relationships. The quote serves as a reminder of the inherent value and individuality of each child, and how crucial it is to respect that in our language.
Themes
MotherRelationshipsLanguageEmotionRespect
In practice
Example use cases
During a parenting seminar, one might quote this to highlight the importance of respectful language around children.
More from T. S. Eliot
All quotes →Half of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm. But the harm does not interest them.
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I am an Anglo-Catholic in religion, a classicist in literature and a royalist in politics.
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In the faint moonlight, the grass is singing
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