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
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