Evelyn Waugh: 'My unhealthy affection for my second daughter has waned. Now I despise all my seven children equally.'

My unhealthy affection for my second daughter has waned. Now I despise all my seven children equally.

In Evelyn Waugh's quote, "My unhealthy affection for my second daughter has waned. Now I despise all my seven children equally," we are confronted with a seemingly shocking admission. At first glance, it may appear as a callous dismissal of parental affection, but upon closer examination, the quote reveals a deeper insight into the complexities of human emotions and the concept of equality.In a straightforward interpretation, it is evident that Waugh is expressing a shift in his emotions towards his second daughter. Initially, he admits to having an "unhealthy affection," suggesting that his feelings were imbalanced or disproportionate. However, he goes on to explain that this affection has waned, ultimately revealing his current state of despising all his seven children equally.This quote's significance lies in its departure from conventional expressions of parental love, which are typically characterized by unwavering adoration. Waugh's words challenge the notion that affection for one's children must be all-encompassing and unchanging. Instead, he highlights the fluidity of emotions within familial relationships, acknowledging that even parents can experience shifts in their feelings over time.However, to fully appreciate the depth of this quote and to bring a philosophical concept into the discussion, let us introduce the idea of amor fati - a concept derived from ancient Stoic philosophy. Amor fati, translated as "love of fate," encourages individuals to embrace and love all aspects of their lives, including the challenging and undesirable aspects.By juxtaposing Waugh's quote with the concept of amor fati, we uncover an unexpected parallel. While the terminology differs, both express a sense of equality among emotions. In Waugh's case, it is the despise shared equally among his children, and in amor fati, it is the love extended to one's entire life experience, including the negative aspects.One might argue that despise and love are polar opposites, but by embracing amor fati, we understand that these emotions can coexist in an equitable manner. For Waugh, his despise aligns with the acceptance of the variations in parental affection, and by doing so, he achieves a fundamental balance among his children. Similarly, amor fati teaches individuals to embrace all aspects of life, the good and the bad, ultimately leading to a state of profound equanimity.This unexpected philosophical connection invites us to reflect on the complexities of human emotions and their inherent equality. It challenges our conventional understanding of love, suggesting that a true sense of equality can arise when we acknowledge and accept the full spectrum of our emotions and experiences.In conclusion, Evelyn Waugh's quote offers a nuanced perspective on parental affection, highlighting the fluid nature of emotions within familial relationships. By embracing amor fati, the concept of loving all aspects of one's life, including the undesirable, we find an unexpected parallel. Both perspectives remind us of the natural equality in the diversity of emotions and experiences we encounter. Perhaps, then, as we navigate the complexities of our own lives, we can strive to embrace all emotions equitably, just as Waugh in his own unique way despised all his children equally.