There's no better cure for the fear of taking after one's father, than not to know who he is

There's no better cure for the fear of taking after one's father, than not to know who he is

André Gide, a French author and Nobel Prize winner, was known for his exploration of complex psychological themes in his works. One recurring theme in Gide's writing was the fear of inheriting undesirable traits from one's father. In his novel "The Immoralist," Gide delves into the idea that not knowing who one's father is can be a liberating experience, as it allows the individual to break free from the burden of familial expectations and stereotypes.

The quote "There's no better cure for the fear of taking after one's father, than not to know who he is" encapsulates the idea that ignorance can be a form of liberation. In the context of Gide's work, this quote suggests that not knowing one's father can provide a sense of freedom from the constraints of familial history and legacy. By not being tied to a specific paternal figure, the individual is free to define themselves on their own terms, rather than being defined by the actions and characteristics of their father.