“An ugly baby is a very nasty object – and the prettiest is frightful.”
- May 24, 1819 – January 22, 1901
- British
- Queen of the United Kingdom, Empress of India
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Quote
“An ugly baby is a very nasty object – and the prettiest is frightful.”
Explanation
With this quote, Queen Victoria offers a surprisingly blunt and humorous observation that challenges the romanticized view of infancy. Rather than expressing the expected maternal adoration, she declares both “ugly” and “pretty” babies as unpleasant to behold. This comment reflects a rare moment of unfiltered personal opinion, hinting at her pragmatic and sometimes unsentimental nature, even regarding topics traditionally associated with warmth and affection.
Victoria had nine children, and her writings occasionally revealed her complex feelings about motherhood. She often described childbirth and child-rearing as burdensome and tiring, which contrasts with the idealized Victorian image of the endlessly devoted and nurturing mother. This quote underscores that disconnect, revealing a monarch who was honest about her discomforts—even to the point of making such an irreverent remark about babies, typically considered sacred symbols of innocence and beauty.
In a modern context, this quote might be seen as a refreshing rejection of performative parenting or societal pressure to conform to sentimental norms. It reminds us that even historical figures who embodied tradition and propriety could harbor very human, even subversive, opinions. Victoria’s candor allows for a broader, more realistic discussion about motherhood, appearance, and personal truth, challenging the notion that all reactions must align with cultural expectations.
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