“If there is any responsibility in the cycle of life it must be that one generation owes to the next that strength by which it can come to face ultimate concerns in its own way.”
What this quote means
Erikson highlights an intergenerational responsibility: each generation must pass on to the next not ready-made solutions, but the inner strength to face its own challenges. This implies educating, inspiring, but also granting the autonomy needed for each to find their own path. This quote applies to parents, teachers, and all who accompany young people, reminding us that our role is to prepare them to fly on their own.
How to apply it daily
Today, share with a young person a experience or advice that helps them build confidence, then let them make their own decision without interfering.
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