“Familiarity breeds contempt – and children.”
- November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910
- American
- Author, humorist, and lecturer
- Wrote masterpieces such as “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” and had a major influence on American literature
Quote
“Familiarity breeds contempt – and children.”
Explanation
Mark Twain’s quote humorously twists the well-known saying “familiarity breeds contempt,” which suggests that the more we are exposed to something or someone, the more likely we are to lose respect for it. Twain adds a playful twist by saying that familiarity not only breeds contempt but also children. The humor comes from the absurdity of the suggestion that the everyday familiarity of life can lead not only to disrespect or irritation but also to the inevitable presence of children—a natural, though sometimes inconvenient, consequence of close relationships or the domestic environment.
This remark also reflects Twain’s typical wit about family life and the chaos that comes with having children. His words suggest that while familiarity in relationships may lead to moments of boredom or annoyance, it also results in the joyful (though often challenging) addition of children to the equation.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with the humorous truths about the complexities of parenting, relationships, and family life. While time spent together in close quarters can sometimes lead to frustration or familiarity, it also inevitably leads to the creation of families. Twain’s humor highlights how the same force—familiarity—can lead to both negative and positive outcomes, including the lively chaos that children bring into the home.
