God kens well enough that boys need to be smacked, or he'd no fill them sae full o' the de'il.
In "Outlander" by Diana Gabaldon, the quote emphasizes the belief that discipline is essential for young boys. The speaker suggests that if God had not intended for boys to receive a firm hand, He would not have made them so prone to mischief. This perspective reflects a traditional viewpoint on child-rearing, where strict measures are seen as necessary to guide and correct behavior.
The notion presented in this quote reveals a cultural attitude towards punishment and morality, indicating that without appropriate guidance, boys may stray into wrongdoing. It underscores the idea that some form of correction is crucial in shaping a child's character and keeping them on the right path, resonating with historical attitudes toward parenting and moral development.
