Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
The quote criticizes society for ignoring the harsh living conditions of poor families, comparing society to an ostrich hiding its head.
In plain terms
Society ignores the poor living conditions of families with many people in small spaces.
What can you take from it?
Ignoring poverty and overcrowding does not solve the problems they cause.

Where it applies

  • urban housing debates
  • poverty awareness
  • social reform

Putting it to work

  • address overcrowding
  • improve housing conditions
  • raise awareness about poverty

Questions to consider

  • What responsibilities does society have toward the poor?
  • How do living conditions affect moral development?

Another view

The comparison oversimplifies complex social issues into mere ignorance.

More from Margaret Sanger

  1. Birth control is the first important step woman must take toward the goal of her freedom. It is the first step she must take to be man's equal. It is the first…

    Permalink to quote #16
  2. Our laws force women into celibacy on the one hand, or abortion on the other. [npg] Both conditions are declared by eminent medical authorities to be injurious…

    Permalink to quote #18
  3. As an advocate of birth control I wish ... to point out that the unbalance between the birth rate of the 'unfit' and the 'fit,' admittedly the greatest present…

    Permalink to quote #15

Related quotes

  1. To suppose such a thing possible as a society, in which men, who are able and willing to work, cannot support their families, and ought, with a great part of t…

    William CobbettWilliam Cobbett quote #6
  2. Becky Sharp's acute remark that it is not difficult to be virtuous on ten thousand a year, has its application to nations; and it is futile to expect a hungry …

    Thomas Henry HuxleyThomas Henry Huxley quote #17
  3. Wealthy men can't live in an island that is encircled by poverty. We all breathe the same air. We must give a chance to everyone, at least a basic chance.

    Ayrton SennaAyrton Senna quote #29