The 'working poor,' as they are approvingly termed, are in fact the major philanthropists of our society.
Barbara EhrenreichRead
At best the family teaches the finest things human beings can learn from one another generosity and love. But it is also, all too often, where we learn nasty things like hate, rage and shame.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Family can impart both positive values like love and generosity, as well as negative traits like hate and shame.
This quote by Barbara Ehrenreich highlights the dual nature of family as a foundational social unit. While it is a source of love and generosity that teaches individuals crucial human values, it can also perpetuate negative traits such as hate, rage, and shame. The family environment plays a significant role in shaping one's emotional and moral framework, demonstrating that the lessons learned within families can be as detrimental as they are beneficial.
Themes
FamilyLoveGenerosityHateEmotions
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of family values, this quote can emphasize the need to foster love and generosity.
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I would never call myself a cancer survivor because I think it devalues those who do not survive. There's this whole mythology that people bravely battle their cancer and then they become survivors. Well, the ones who don't survive may be just as brave, you know, just as courageous, wonderful people.
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I don't feel like I'm a perfect mom, and then there are times at work where I feel like maybe I wasn't perfect here because of constraints on my time. But having the sum of both of those things going on in my life makes me a better mom at the end of the day, and I think gives me really important perspectives in the workplace as well.
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A Mother's love is something that no one can explain, It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain, It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may For nothing can destroy it or take that love away
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