But (and I think she would most likely agree), it's not just about raising the doctors and scientists, but about raising good human beings. My goal is for my children to have well-developed minds and be hard-working and kind. If I can succeed in all of those goals (not so easy, by the way), then I'll feel like I've contributed something very positive to the world - even if they all somehow decide they want to be stay-at-home moms too.

What Glie says below is also very true; most of the brilliant thinkers and workers of the world could not do what they do without others playing a supporting role.

Remember, not all of us want to be in the spotlight all the time. And not all of us thrive there as much as we might behind the scenes.

As for your very last point, it is true - and why I would never encourage a woman to stay home for kids just because she felt like she ought. It has to be something that provides happiness and fulfillment for her by itself. By the same token, though, it is always possible to re-enter the work force after children have reached maturity. Yes, there will be prejudices and disadvantages, but I'm not sure it's really that much harder than trying to have biological children past age 40 (or going through the long, expensive ordeal of adoption).

Oh, and thank you for the compliment.