Society needs both parents and nonparents, both the work party and the home party. While raising children is the most important work most people will do, not everyone is cut out for parenthood. And, as many a childless teacher has proved, raising kids is not the only important contribution a person can make to their future.

In this quote, Virginia Postrel emphasizes the importance of both parents and nonparents in society. She suggests that a balanced society requires contributions from both the work party (those who focus on their careers or public service) and the home party (those dedicated to raising children). Postrel acknowledges that while raising children is an essential and impactful role, it's not the only way individuals contribute meaningfully to society, highlighting that parenthood is not the right path for everyone.

Postrel’s words also challenge the idea that parenthood is the singular or most significant role in life. While she recognizes the importance of raising children, she makes it clear that nonparents, such as teachers, artists, or community leaders, also make vital contributions to the future. The reference to childless teachers underscores how significant the role of education is in shaping future generations, proving that raising kids isn’t the only important work that can be done for the collective good.

The origin of this quote comes from Virginia Postrel, a writer and cultural commentator known for her work on societal trends, economics, and culture. Postrel often discusses the intersection of individual roles and societal needs, and this quote reflects her belief in the value of diverse contributions to society beyond traditional roles like parenting.

Ultimately, Postrel’s statement serves as a reminder that society benefits from a variety of roles, whether through raising children, working in public service, or contributing in other important ways. It encourages a broader perspective on what it means to make a difference and acknowledges that different paths can lead to equally significant contributions to society’s future.