Meaning: The quote "Man hands on misery to man. It deepens like a coastal shelf. Get out as early as you can, and don't have any kids yourself" is from the poem "This Be The Verse" by Philip Larkin, a renowned English poet. The poem was first published in 1971 and has since become one of Larkin's most famous and controversial works. The quote reflects Larkin's bleak and pessimistic view of human existence and the intergenerational transmission of suffering and hardship.

In this quote, Larkin expresses a sense of despair and resignation about the human condition. The phrase "Man hands on misery to man" suggests the perpetuation of suffering and hardship from one generation to the next. Larkin uses the metaphor of misery deepening "like a coastal shelf" to emphasize the enduring and inescapable nature of human suffering. The coastal shelf imagery conveys a sense of gradual and relentless descent into despair, echoing the idea that misery is passed down through generations and accumulates over time.

The following line, "Get out as early as you can, and don't have any kids yourself," encapsulates Larkin's stark advice to avoid perpetuating the cycle of suffering by choosing not to have children. Larkin's recommendation to "get out" can be interpreted as a call to break free from the cycle of misery and hardship by not bringing new life into a world characterized by suffering. This advice reflects Larkin's deeply pessimistic outlook on the human experience and his belief that life is fundamentally marked by pain and disillusionment.

Larkin's poem "This Be The Verse" is characterized by its unflinching examination of the darker aspects of human existence, and this quote is a prime example of his unapologetically bleak perspective. Larkin's work often delves into themes of mortality, alienation, and the futility of human endeavors, and "This Be The Verse" is no exception. The poem has sparked debate and controversy due to its uncompromising portrayal of life's hardships and its provocative call to reconsider the act of procreation.

Larkin's perspective in this quote and the broader context of "This Be The Verse" raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of human suffering and the ethical considerations surrounding the choice to bring new life into a world marked by pain and hardship. The poem challenges traditional notions of optimism and hope, offering a stark and uncompromising assessment of the human condition.

In conclusion, Philip Larkin's quote "Man hands on misery to man. It deepens like a coastal shelf. Get out as early as you can, and don't have any kids yourself" encapsulates his bleak and unflinching perspective on the perpetuation of human suffering and the choice to have children. The quote reflects Larkin's deep sense of despair and resignation about the human experience, and it continues to provoke contemplation and debate about the nature of existence and the ethical implications of bringing new life into a world marked by hardship and pain.

I hope this analysis provides insight into the quote and its broader context within Philip Larkin's body of work. If you have any further questions or need more information, feel free to ask.