Willful sterility is, from the standpoint of the nation, from the standpoint of the human race, the one sin for which the penalty is national death, race death; a sin for which there is no atonement. No man, no woman, can shirk the primary duties of life, whether for love of ease and pleasure, or for any other cause, and retain his or her self-respect.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the importance of procreation and maintaining a population for the survival of a nation and the human race. It suggests that deliberately choosing to not have children is a grievous mistake and a sin that leads to the death of a society and a race. It asserts that individuals cannot neglect their responsibilities of bringing new life into the world for personal convenience or any other reason without compromising their self-respect. In essence, the quote portrays childlessness as a moral and existential concern with severe consequences.

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