As far as we know, no woman in the history of the species has ever given birth and thought: "Wait a minute! How do I know that this baby is mine and not some other woman's?” In contrast, if a baby comes out of the body of a woman you slept with nine months ago, that's not nearly as reliable a clue. As an old saying has it, maternity is a matter of fact, paternity a matter of opinion. (Steve Stewart-Williams)

As far as we know, no woman in the history of the species has ever given birth and thought: "Wait a minute! How do I know that this baby is mine and not some other woman's?” In contrast, if a baby comes out of the body of a woman you slept with nine months ago, that's not nearly as reliable a clue. As an old saying has it, maternity is a matter of fact, paternity a matter of opinion.

Steve Stewart-Williams

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