Earlier quoted context omitted.
But what he deemed being posited as true, was this really bad parenting? It could be to head off competition or it could be brutal realism to head off future depression. Nepotism existed since time immemorial but for a mathematical genius, what was the nepotistic deliverable for the child? A sinecure placement at university?
It’s unusual to tell others not to do something because you’re projecting they’re secretly doing it to compete with you, or that they’ll be depressed when they don’t do what you did. Doubly so when the rationale is “I’m so fucking awesome” Triply so when it’s something you’re passionate about, presumably inherently. Quadruply so when it’s your child. Its tough as a kid hearing your parents come up with elongated excu…
So, a nepotistic delivery was beneficial for his family, and advising his son to seek excellence outside the shadow cast by Gauss himself wasn't stamping on dreams (in my view) it was seeking the happiest outcome.
Without overdoing it, the suicide rate for rich kids with famous parents isn't nothing. There are positive examples, Stella McCartney comes to mind. She isn't wings.