No Kidding Quotes

“I was always too self-centered and irresponsible to have kids. I know that never stopped many others, but I am a narcissist with a conscience.”
― Henriette Mantel, No Kidding: Women Writers on Bypassing Parenthood

“Extinction, while sad and scary, doesn't bother me as much as does the suffering of the individuals prior to being wiped out.”
― Henriette Mantel, No Kidding: Women Writers on Bypassing Parenthood

“People believe they have a dead fucking right to have kids. You have to have a license to drive a car or to fish, but anyone can have a baby. You should have to pass a test to be a parent. And if you fail, you can take classes, and if you fail again, well . . . let’s face it—some people should not be having children. A lot of people should not be having children.”
― Henriette Mantel, No Kidding: Women Writers on Bypassing Parenthood

“You’d think that people who do have children would take a greater interest in the world of the future, but I’m not seeing that so much. Parents often seem more intent on making sure their kids have advantages over other children than improving the situation for all.”
― Henriette Mantel, No Kidding: Women Writers on Bypassing Parenthood

“I’m not even a very good plant mommy, truthfully; as I reflect, my plants are all thirsty most of the time. I wait until they scream out in terror before I remember to water them. Several have jumped right off my terrace ledge in search of an owner who will love them. I am just not a nurturer.”
― Henriette Mantel, No Kidding: Women Writers on Bypassing Parenthood