And I remember as a second or third grader having some autonomy

"And I remember as a second or third grader having some autonomy to go to the store if I felt like it, walk home, take my time, kick the can. We were on our own schedule after school, so that was cool." These words spoken by Stone Gossard reflect a powerful truth about the importance of autonomy, freedom, and the role they play in shaping one's sense of self and well-being. In this nostalgic recollection, Gossard speaks to the simple yet profound sense of independence that many children experienced in their formative years. The freedom to move at one’s own pace, to explore the world on their own terms, is an essential aspect of childhood—a rite of passage that not only fosters self-reliance but also nurtures the spirit of adventure and curiosity.

In ancient times, youth was seen as a period of exploration, discovery, and growth. The great philosophers of the past, such as Aristotle, believed that children must be given the freedom to grow and develop through their own experiences. Aristotle spoke of the importance of allowing young people the space to cultivate their minds and bodies, to wander freely and learn from their surroundings. In the same vein, Gossard’s memory of roaming through the streets, taking time to “kick the can,” embodies this unstructured freedom. It is a freedom that encourages individuality, fosters imagination, and provides children with the opportunity to discover themselves in a world that does not yet impose boundaries.

The autonomy Gossard recalls is more than just the ability to walk home alone or make small, everyday choices. It is a reflection of a time when children were entrusted with responsibility—a time when they were allowed to engage with the world in a way that built their confidence and allowed them to develop a deeper understanding of their own capabilities. This was a time before helicopter parenting, before the over-scheduling of every minute of a child’s life. It was a time when children could experience freedom without being constantly overseen, a time when they were free to shape their own experiences, even in simple ways like deciding when to leave the house or how long to spend on their journey.

Consider, for example, the story of Leonardo da Vinci. As a young boy, he was given the freedom to explore the world around him, often wandering through the hills of Tuscany, observing nature and making sketches of the things he saw. These moments of freedom, far from being wasted, served as the foundation for his lifelong curiosity and creativity. Da Vinci's autonomy as a child allowed him to grow into the great polymath he became. It was the unstructured hours spent wandering, thinking, and observing that fostered the brilliant ideas and inventions he would later bring to the world. The freedom to roam was not merely a chance for leisure; it was a formative experience that fueled his intellectual and artistic genius.

Gossard’s words also call attention to the simple joys of childhood—those moments when life is not dictated by a schedule, when time moves slowly, and the world feels full of possibility. The act of “kicking the can” is more than just a playful gesture; it is a metaphor for the way children interact with the world without the constraints of adult expectations. In these moments, there is joy in the unplanned, in the open-ended experience. Such moments are often forgotten in the rush of modern life, where efficiency, structure, and the constant pursuit of success leave little room for spontaneous exploration. Yet, these are the very experiences that build the foundation for a resilient and fulfilled life, ones that shape our ability to navigate the world with confidence.

The lesson from Gossard’s reflection is clear: autonomy in childhood is not just a luxury, but a necessity. The freedom to make choices, to explore at one’s own pace, and to encounter the world without constant supervision is critical in fostering independence and self-confidence. In our modern age, where many children are kept on tightly controlled schedules, it is important to remember the value of unstructured time—the space where creativity can bloom and where life skills are honed through experience. As adults, we must recognize that freedom in childhood is not only about enjoying oneself, but also about preparing young people for the challenges and responsibilities they will face in the future.

In practical terms, this means creating environments where children are allowed the freedom to explore their surroundings, to make mistakes, and to learn from them. It means stepping back and allowing them to chart their own course, just as Stone Gossard did when he wandered to the store or took his time walking home. By giving children the space to experience life on their own terms, we equip them with the tools to navigate the complexities of adulthood with confidence and creativity. The future is not just about what they learn in classrooms, but about the lessons they gain from the freedom to experience the world for themselves.

Lastly, let us not forget the power of play and imagination. The unstructured moments of childhood, when we are free to simply be, are where the seeds of creativity, curiosity, and joy are planted. Let us ensure that these moments are not lost in the shuffle of modern life. Just as the ancient philosophers taught that true learning comes from experience and reflection, so too must we honor the value of unstructured time in shaping the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders. Let us give them the space to kick the can and, in doing so, discover the world at their own pace.