An ideal world in my own home... I'm not yet sure why the prospect appalls me quite so much, but I do know somewhere in me that {he} is wrong, that a life without hatred is no life at all, that my children should be allowed to despise whom they like. Now there's a right worth fighting for...
The quote reflects the inner conflict of a character who grapples with the concept of an ideal life free from negativity. It suggests that the character feels disturbed by the notion of a completely harmonious home life, recognizing a certain value in emotions like hatred. This complexity reveals a belief that experiencing a range of feelings, even negative ones, is essential to genuine living.
The idea that children should have the freedom to express dislike or discontent underscores a deeper moral stance. The character sees the right to feel strongly about others as a significant value worth defending. This notion challenges the idea of pursuing perfection in interpersonal relationships, emphasizing the importance of authenticity over utopia.