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I would have been a terrible mother because I'm basically a very selfish human being. Not that that has stopped most people going off and having children.
Katharine Hepburn
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on self-awareness about one's suitability for motherhood and criticizes societal norms around parenting.

Katharine Hepburn's quote highlights the complexity of parenthood and the importance of self-awareness in one's decisions. She candidly admits her perceived selfishness and questions the societal expectation that individuals should have children regardless of their personal capabilities or desires. This sentiment acknowledges the fact that many people pursue parenthood despite not feeling fully prepared or suited for the role, which can spark conversations around the responsibility and choice involved in raising children.

Themes

MotherhoodSelfishnessSocietal NormsParentingSelf-Awareness

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion on parenting in a college class.

More from Katharine Hepburn

I never lose sight of the fact that just being is fun.
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When I’ve been unsuccessful, I’ve been controlled. When I’ve been successful, I’ve been in control.
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I'm an atheist, and that's it. I believe there's nothing we can know except that we should be kind to each other and do what we can for people.
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What acting means is that you've got to get out of your own skin.
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I've made forty-three pictures. Naturally I'm adorable in all of them.
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