Quote by Olive Schreiner
I have no conscience, none, but I would not like to bring a soul into this world. When it sinned and when it suffered something like a dead hand would fall on me, -- You did it, you, for your own pleasure you created this thing! See your work! If it lived to be eighty it would always hang like a millstone round my neck, have the right to demand good from me, and curse me for its sorrow. A parent is only like to God: if his work turns out bad so much the worse for him; he dare not wash his hands of it. Time and years can never bring the day when you can say to your child, Soul, what have I to do with you?
Summary
This quote reflects the speaker's belief that creating life carries significant responsibility. They acknowledge lacking a conscience and express a reluctance to bring a soul into the world. They fear that any sin or suffering experienced by their creation would place blame on them as the creator. The speaker compares a parent's relationship with their child to that between humankind and God, emphasizing that a parent cannot disown their child or distance themselves from its actions. Ultimately, the quote explores the weight of parenthood and the enduring connection and accountability it entails.
Topics
Birth
Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.
Random Quotations
