There is too much fathering going on just now and there is no doubt about it fathers are depressing.

In this quote, Gertrude Stein offers a somewhat controversial view on fathering, suggesting that there is an excess of fatherhood in society at the time and that fathers themselves can be depressing. Stein's statement can be interpreted as a critique of traditional gender roles and the overemphasis on father figures in societal structures. By calling fathers "depressing," she may be commenting on the emotional distance or rigidity often associated with paternal figures, especially in the context of early 20th-century family dynamics.

Stein’s words also reflect her broader questioning of social norms and the roles people are expected to play. In her works, she frequently challenged established conventions, especially those around gender and identity. In this quote, she might be suggesting that the excessive focus on fatherhood leads to an imbalance in family dynamics, where fathers are expected to play a dominant role that could stifle other forms of emotional expression and connection.

The phrase "too much fathering" could be interpreted as a critique of overly authoritative or controlling paternal behavior. By labeling fathers as "depressing," Stein might be emphasizing the emotional burden or the restrictiveness that comes with traditional expectations of fathers. This reflects her overall modernist perspective, which often sought to break free from traditional roles and explore more liberated, fluid forms of identity and familial relationships.

Originating from her personal experiences and her avant-garde approach to literature and society, this quote captures Gertrude Stein's skepticism about conventional family structures. As a writer known for challenging norms, she may have seen traditional father figures as an obstacle to more egalitarian or emotionally fulfilling relationships. Her words reflect a desire for greater freedom and authenticity in how people, especially fathers, engage with family and society.