Meaning: This quote by Margaret Mead, a prominent cultural anthropologist, speaks to the transformative experience of becoming a parent. Mead was known for her work in studying the ways in which culture and society shape human behavior, and her insights often touched on the profound impact of human relationships and the dynamics of family life. In this quote, Mead captures the essence of the transition into parenthood, emphasizing the sense of humility and reverence that comes with the realization that a new life is about to enter the world.

The quote begins with the phrase "And when our baby stirs and struggles to be born," which evokes the image of a child in the process of being born, signaling the beginning of a new life. This stirring and struggling of the baby symbolizes the intense and often arduous journey of childbirth, a process that is both physical and emotional for the parents. It is a moment of anticipation, hope, and trepidation as the parents prepare to welcome their child into the world.

Mead then introduces the concept of humility, suggesting that the act of bringing a new life into the world compels a deep sense of humility in the parents. This humility arises from the recognition that the child, once born, is a separate and unique individual, distinct from the parents themselves. The child's existence is not merely an extension of the parents' lives, but a new and independent entity with its own destiny and potential. Mead's use of the word "compels" implies that this humility is not a choice, but a natural response to the awe-inspiring process of bringing forth new life.

The quote continues with the statement "what we began is now its own," which encapsulates the profound shift in perspective that occurs when a child is born. The phrase "what we began" refers to the act of conception and the initial stages of pregnancy, highlighting the parents' role in initiating the creation of a new life. However, Mead emphasizes that once the child stirs and struggles to be born, it becomes its own entity, separate from the parents. This notion underscores the idea that parenthood involves a relinquishing of control and a recognition of the child's autonomy and individuality.

Finally, the quote concludes with the attribution "by Margaret Mead Scientist," which serves as a reminder of the author's identity and expertise as a scientist. Mead's background as an anthropologist and her extensive research in the field of cultural studies provide a context for understanding the depth of her insight into the human experience. By including her professional title, Mead underscores the universal and timeless nature of the quote, grounding it in the rigor of scientific inquiry and observation.

In essence, Margaret Mead's quote captures the essence of the transformative journey into parenthood, highlighting the profound humility and reverence that accompanies the process of bringing a new life into the world. Through her words, Mead invites us to reflect on the awe-inspiring nature of childbirth and the profound shift in perspective that occurs when parents come to recognize the autonomy and individuality of their child. This quote serves as a poignant reminder of the universal experience of parenthood and the deep sense of humility that it inspires.