A child is expected to be immature and unable to make life decisions. We all agree that until a certain level of maturity, a child needs a caregiver. But once a person is capable, they should be out on their own. Sometimes the craving for this independence comes before the maturity. This defines the years of teen rebellion and it can be a tough time for everyone involved until the teen finally reaches maturity and is capable of making quality decisions.

We all have a need for independence; having the ability to make our own decisions and use our own will according to our own desires. But there are always people who want to impose their desires on everyone else.

This is where religion and government step up to the plate. Religion  points toward freedom, comfort and peace in the arena of the soul. Government exists to protect those things in the physical realm for individuals. Both become unnecessary for those who are mature. It doesn’t mean they become useless, but a person who is doing what is right because of good character doesn’t need to refer to laws. Any time a third party needs to be imposed on a person to make decisions for them, the inability to take care of one’s self is presumed.

In order to have the freedom to choose and enjoy success, there also has to be the ability to fail. Otherwise there is nothing noble and no merit exists. And with failure, having the ability to dig oneself out of a hole also has merit. Inferior character is formed by protecting people from failure. Inferior relationships develop too. We have all seen people who can follow the rules but their hearts are far from it. Some can settle for mediocrity in this kind of environment and others learn to make appearances while indulging in secret. Is it better to tow the line or to handle ones self well? The latter is better.

This level of independence is where I tend to lean. To be subject to rules in some environments is good and needed for consistency as we see in industry or military. But as for how we live our lives there must be freedom to allow us to enjoy rising out of failures, making new beginnings and enjoying our successes. The associations we make by our own choices are the most rewarding. Government that is big on forced relationships takes away the enjoyment we get out of making our own relationships with those we see as reliable. Religions err by making communities based on penance and those who don’t belong are condemned. But we all have a rational mind and a free will for something. I like to use this gift as much as possible.

I can’t say this isn’t confusing at times. It is also harder than just settling in on another person’s words and opinions. To navigate on the sea yourself, you have to pay closer attention than if you are just along for the ride. But the destinations are your own. And that has far more satisfaction..