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I was ever of the opinion, that the honest man who married and brought up a large family, did more service than he who continued single, and only talked of population.
Oliver Goldsmith
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Goldsmith emphasizes the value of honest individuals who take responsibility for nurturing a family over those who merely discuss broader societal issues.

In this quote, Oliver Goldsmith argues that the contributions of an honest man who chooses to marry and raise a family are of greater significance to society than those who remain single and only engage in theoretical discussions about population growth. He suggests that practical actions, such as nurturing a family, have a more profound impact on society than mere rhetoric. This sentiment underlines the importance of personal responsibility and the influential role of family in shaping a community.

Themes

HonestyFamilyResponsibilityPopulationService

In practice

Example use cases

During a family gathering, one might quote this to highlight the importance of raising children in a loving environment.

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