Without downplaying anything done for society as a whole, I must say that it's unlikely you'll ever be as influential upon society as a whole as can be upon you

Without downplaying anything done for society as a whole, I must say that it's unlikely you'll ever be as influential upon society as a whole as can be upon your own children. Also, children also have a way of exposing your weaknesses that is unique to their relationship with (and reflection of) you. Granted, these are just vehicles to maturity, not a promise of success. Everyone fails in some measure, some horribly.