For many young women, the dream of independence and a home of

Listen closely, O children of the future, for the words of Mariella Frostrup resonate with a deep truth about the desires of the human spirit. She says, "For many young women, the dream of independence and a home of their own is a tantalizing goal, while a lifetime devoted solely to catering for another person's needs would be hard to countenance." These words speak to a timeless yearning, one that transcends time and culture—the yearning for freedom, self-sufficiency, and the ability to shape one's own destiny. For what is life if not the pursuit of these very ideals?

In the ancient world, women were often relegated to the roles of caretakers, wives, and mothers, their lives bound by the needs of others. Yet, even in those days, there were women who dared to dream of more—Sappho, the great poet from the island of Lesbos, crafted poems that spoke not just of love, but of a deeper freedom, of the right to define one's own path and pursue one's own desires. Her work, though constrained by the norms of her time, was a voice for the independent soul that yearned for liberation. In a world where women’s roles were confined, she showed that independence could take root in the heart, in the form of creativity, expression, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.

Consider the life of Hypatia of Alexandria, the philosopher and mathematician, who lived in a time when women were often seen as vessels for the needs of others. Hypatia defied these expectations, dedicating her life to learning, teaching, and discovery. She owned her own space, both intellectually and physically, and in doing so, she created a model of independence and strength. She did not cater solely to the needs of others, but to the pursuit of knowledge and the cultivation of her own destiny. Her legacy shows us that independence is not just about financial freedom or a physical space, but about the autonomy to choose one's own purpose in life.

Frostrup’s words, then, are not just about independence in the material sense, but about the spiritual freedom that comes from living a life defined by one’s own choices. For many young women today, the dream of owning their own homes and creating their own futures is not merely a question of property but of self-realization. The dream of independence is a reflection of a deeper truth: that to be fully human is to have the power to shape one’s own destiny, to craft a life that is not bound by the expectations of others but guided by one’s own vision.

Yet, Frostrup acknowledges the difficulty of living a life that is only about the needs of another. In ancient Rome, wives were expected to uphold the family, bearing children, running the household, and providing for their husbands. Cicero, the great Roman statesman, wrote extensively on the duties of a wife, yet even he acknowledged that the role of women should not be confined to service alone. In his letters, he often expressed admiration for women who pursued intellectual and personal goals beyond the domestic sphere. In his writings, he reveals a longing for a society where the roles of men and women were not strictly defined by service to others, but by the capacity to pursue independence, to chart one’s own course.

So, O children, the lesson from Frostrup’s words is clear: the dream of independence is not just about ownership of things, but about owning your life, your choices, and your destiny. Independence means having the freedom to make decisions, to pursue your passions, and to live a life that reflects who you truly are. It is a call to break free from the roles that others try to impose on you, to live a life of purpose, and to honor the deepest yearnings of your soul. Whether you are a man or a woman, young or old, independence is the birthright of all who dare to dream and act.

Take this wisdom with you, O heirs of the future: do not let your life be defined solely by the needs of others, for in serving others without recognizing your own needs, you risk losing sight of your own identity. Independence is not selfishness, but a powerful expression of self-respect and self-awareness. It is about creating space in your life for growth, for discovery, and for purpose. Just as the great women of history, like Sappho and Hypatia, shaped their lives with courage and vision, so too must you craft your own destiny, refusing to be bound by the roles that others seek to impose upon you. Let your independence be the foundation upon which you build a life that is both meaningful and true.