Meaning: The quote "Those expressions are omitted which can not with propriety be read aloud in the family" is attributed to Thomas Bowdler, a physician and editor who is best known for his expurgated edition of William Shakespeare's works. The quote reflects Bowdler's perspective on censorship and the importance of removing or modifying content that is deemed inappropriate for a family audience.

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, there was a growing concern among certain members of society about the potentially corrupting influence of literature and other forms of media on young minds and moral sensibilities. This led to the development of a movement known as "Bowdlerism," named after Thomas Bowdler, which sought to sanitize and purify literary works by removing or altering content considered to be vulgar, offensive, or morally objectionable.

Thomas Bowdler's most famous work, "The Family Shakespeare," published in 1807, aimed to make the Bard's plays more suitable for family reading by removing or significantly revising passages containing what he perceived as inappropriate language, sexual innuendo, and violent or offensive content. The quote in question encapsulates Bowdler's guiding principle in this endeavor - to omit expressions that would not be suitable for reading aloud in a domestic setting.

Bowdler's approach to literary censorship and sanitization was controversial and continues to be the subject of debate and critique. While some praised his efforts to make classic literature more accessible to a wider audience, others saw his interventions as a form of literary vandalism and a violation of the integrity of the original works.

The quote can also be interpreted in a broader context, beyond the specific case of Bowdler and his editorial practices. It raises important questions about the role of censorship, the boundaries of propriety, and the notion of what is considered acceptable for consumption within the family unit. The concept of "propriety" is subjective and can vary widely depending on cultural, historical, and individual perspectives.

In today's society, discussions about censorship, content moderation, and age-appropriate material continue to be relevant and contentious. There are ongoing debates about the extent to which certain forms of media, including literature, film, and digital content, should be censored or adapted for different audiences, particularly in the context of children and family environments.

The quote by Thomas Bowdler invites reflection on the complexities of balancing freedom of expression with the responsibility to protect vulnerable audiences from potentially harmful or inappropriate content. It also highlights the challenges of navigating cultural and moral sensitivities when engaging with artistic and literary works that may contain challenging or controversial material.

In conclusion, Thomas Bowdler's quote "Those expressions are omitted which can not with propriety be read aloud in the family" encapsulates his approach to literary censorship and reflects broader debates about the boundaries of propriety, censorship, and the responsibility to curate content for family consumption. While Bowdlerism has been criticized for its restrictive and paternalistic nature, the quote serves as a point of departure for discussions about the complexities of navigating diverse societal values and individual sensibilities when engaging with literature and media within familial contexts.