He that loves not his wife and children feeds a lioness at home, and broods a nest of sorrows.

The quote "He that loves not his wife and children feeds a lioness at home, and broods a nest of sorrows" by Jeremy Taylor highlights the importance of familial love and the consequences of neglecting it. Taylor, a 17th-century English cleric and writer, is suggesting that a person who fails to care for or show affection to their wife and children is inviting conflict and unhappiness into their home. The lioness symbolizes a powerful, untamed force that could cause destruction, paralleling the emotional turmoil and strife that arise when family bonds are ignored.

Taylor compares the neglect of family love to feeding a lioness—something that may seem harmless or even indulgent at first but ultimately results in harm. This metaphor reflects the inevitable anger and dissatisfaction that may grow within the family if one fails to nurture love and support. Brooding a nest of sorrows further emphasizes the emotional weight of neglect, implying that by abandoning familial responsibility, one cultivates a cycle of sadness, regret, and turmoil.

The origin of the quote can be traced back to Taylor’s writings, where he often delved into the significance of family and relationships in shaping one's well-being. He believed that true happiness could only be achieved through strong, loving relationships, particularly within the family unit. The quote serves as a cautionary reminder that the neglect of family love leads to emotional consequences that are far greater than anticipated.

Ultimately, the message is clear: by failing to love and nurture those closest to you, you not only risk the wellbeing of your family but also create an emotional environment filled with sorrow and unrest. It is a timeless reminder of the centrality of love in our lives and the importance of maintaining harmony in our most intimate relationships.