"No man should bring children into the world who is unwilling to persevere to the end in their nature and education"
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Plato’s assertion conveys a profound moral responsibility associated with parenthood. The act of bringing children into the world is not merely a matter of biology or personal desire, but entails a lifelong commitment to nurturing their development. Raising a child, Plato warns, is an endeavor that must be accompanied by an unwavering willingness to guide and educate them until they reach maturity. The process of education, in his philosophical context, extends beyond intellectual training and encompasses the holistic shaping of a human being’s character, values, and potential.
The phrase “to persevere to the end” underscores that parental duty is continuous and enduring, resisting any temptation to neglect or abandon the effort when faced with obstacles. Challenges, uncertainties, and sacrifices will invariably present themselves, yet genuine preparedness for parenthood means accepting these burdens as an integral part of the journey. Parents are called upon to engage actively in their children’s lives, fostering both their innate abilities (“nature”) and their scholarly, moral, and practical education.
By positing unwillingness as a disqualifier, Plato implicitly critiques those who pursue parenthood without reflection, or who see children as commodities, sources of pride, or mere extensions of themselves. He insists that responsible procreation requires intentional foresight and a selfless dedication to the well-being of future generations. The larger implication is social: children insufficiently nurtured or educated may falter, resulting in negative consequences not only for themselves but for the community at large.
Educational commitment, in Plato’s ideal, intertwines with the shaping of societal virtue and justice. The moral and intellectual formation of each child contributes to the quality of the broader polis. Parental apathy or irresponsibility thus reverberates beyond the family, influencing the stability and moral health of society itself. Plato’s words, therefore, transcend time, reminding every prospective parent to recognize the enduring, transformative impact they wield in the lives they create.
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