Children who grow up getting nutrition from plant foods rather than meats have a tremendous health advantage. They are less likely to develop weight problems, diabetes, high blood pressure and some forms of cancer
In our country today, very few children are raised to believe that their principal destiny is to serve their family, their country, or God.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of nurturing children to value service to their family, country, and God.
Benjamin Spock's quote reflects a concern about the contemporary upbringing of children, suggesting that there is a lack of emphasis on instilling values of service and responsibility toward family, community, and spirituality. He argues that many children are not trained to see their lives as intertwined with these essential aspects of society, leading to a potential disconnection from fundamental duties that contribute to a cohesive and supportive environment.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech at a youth leadership conference, one might quote this to encourage young people to think beyond themselves and think of their roles in society.
More from Benjamin Spock
All quotes βDon't be afraid to trust your own common sense.
Don't take too seriously all that the neighbors say. Don't be overawed by what the experts say. Don't be afraid to trust your own common sense.
On the average, older parents are more flexible, tolerant, understanding, and happy in child care.
Our greatest hope is to bring up children inspired by their opportunities for being helpful and loving.
What good mothers and fathers instinctively feel like doing for their babies is usually best after all.
Similar quotes
Those who educate children well are more to be honored than they who produce them; for these only gave them life, those the art of living well.
We do not wish to abolish teaching and to make every man his own master, but if the curates will not teach the gospel, the layman must have the Scripture, and read it for himself, taking God for his teacher.
I don't think I prefer writing for one age group above another. I am just as pleased with a story which I feel works well for very small children as I do with a story for young adults.
I grew up in an atmosphere where words were an integral part of culture.
A teacher's major contribution may pop out anonymously in the life of some ex-student's grandchild. A teacher, finally, has nothing to go on but faith, a student nothing to offer in return but testimony.
To maximise global social welfare, policymakers should strongly encourage the diffusion of knowledge from developed to developing countries.