The commonest fallacy among women is that simply having children makes them a mother - which is as absurd as believing that having a piano makes one a musician.
Interpretation
Being a mother involves more than just giving birth; it requires active involvement and care.
In this quote, Sydney J. Harris points out the misconception that the mere act of childbirth equates to being a mother. He argues that motherhood comes with responsibilities, nurturing, and a commitment to raising a child well, similar to how one must practice and engage with music to truly be a musician, rather than just owning an instrument.
In practice
This quote can be used in a parenting workshop to emphasize the importance of active participation in a child's life.
A person is either himself or not himself; is either rooted in his existence or is a fabrication; has either found his humanhood or is still playing with masks and roles and status symbols. And nobody is more aware of this difference (although unconsciously) than a child. Only an authentic person can evoke a good response in the core of the other person; only person is resonant to person.
We evaluate others with a Godlike justice, but we want them to evaluate us with a Godlike compassion.
Man's unique agony as a species consists in his perpetual conflict between the desire to stand out and the need to blend in.
"Terrorism" is what we call the violence of the weak, and we condemn it; "war" is what we call the violence of the strong, and we glorify it.
At it's highest level, the purpose of teaching is not to teachβit is to inspire the desire for learning. Once a student's mind is set on fire, it will find a way to provide its own fuel.
You may be sure that when a man begins to call himself a realist he is preparing to do something that he is secretly ashamed of doing.
I think most people are interested in our origins; once we understand, it might be easier to become the people we'd like to be. Or, better, become the people we think we already are.
If efforts to do social work are couched in selfish motives, then they will die a premature death. Why would my efforts get politicised? I have values I inherited from my father. He helped many. Anyone, even a postman knocking on our door would get a glass of water and some sweets.
I don't believe in death, neither in flesh nor in spirit.
If your religion doesn't respect the rights of other religions, it is lacking something.
It was a silence that heard itself, awful and beautiful.
I can't imagine not being in a phase where I'm trying to understand something or create something. That's the essence of life.
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