Quote by Christopher Lasch
The attempt to redefine the family as a purely voluntary arrangement grows out of the modern delusion that people can keep all their options open all the time.
Summary
This quote suggests that the idea of reshaping the concept of family into a purely voluntary arrangement stems from a mistaken belief in the possibility of keeping limitless choices available constantly. In other words, the quote challenges the notion that individuals can constantly maintain the freedom to opt in or out of familial commitments at their whim. It implies that this delusion arises from a modern mindset that prioritizes maximum personal freedom and flexibility in all aspects of life, including familial relationships.