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The natural term of the affection of the human animal for its offspring is six years.
George Bernard Shaw
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that the instinctive emotional bond between parents and their children has a natural duration of about six years.

George Bernard Shaw's quote implies that the profound affection and attachment that parents feel towards their children has a biological or instinctual limitation, positing that the most intense emotional connection typically lasts around six years. This could suggest a transition in parental roles or relationships as the child grows older and becomes more independent, reflecting a natural evolution in familial dynamics.

Themes

AffectionChildrenParentingBondFamilyAttachment

In practice

Example use cases

A parent quoting this at a parenting seminar to discuss the nature of emotional attachment.

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