I am a very independent person, and I, you know, I maintain that

Hear, O children of the future, the words of Sue Townsend, who speaks with a quiet wisdom about the balance between independence and the recognition of when it is wise to accept the help of others. She declares, "I am a very independent person, and I, you know, I maintain that independence, but, you know, certain things - I mean, it takes, you know, it's just much easier for other people if other people can help you every now and again." These words reflect not only the strength of independence, but also the humility and wisdom that comes from knowing that interdependence is an essential part of life. The balance between standing on your own two feet and allowing others to support you is an ancient truth, one that every generation must learn.

In the ancient world, the concept of independence was often seen as a cornerstone of personal honor and strength. Consider the figure of Socrates, who valued the life of independent thought above all else. He walked through the streets of Athens, questioning the very foundations of the beliefs that governed his society, unafraid to stand alone in his pursuit of truth. But even Socrates, in his relentless pursuit of wisdom, knew that there were times when the support of others was necessary. He often relied on his students to help him spread his teachings, just as Aristotle, his student, would later become the teacher of Alexander the Great, showing that true independence is not about isolation, but about mutual respect and shared purpose.

Townsend’s words speak to the truth that while we may strive for independence, we must also acknowledge the interdependence that binds us together. The Roman Republic offers an example of this balance. The citizens of Rome were proud of their independence, of their ability to govern themselves without the rule of a king. Yet, they understood that their empire could not have risen without the cooperation of their allies, the loyalty of their soldiers, and the wisdom of their leaders. The very strength of Rome lay not in its isolation, but in its ability to forge alliances and build a network of mutual support across vast territories. Independence is powerful, but it is within the web of relationships and support that it truly thrives.

In Townsend's reflection, there is a lesson in humility. To maintain independence does not mean to deny the help of others, but to know when it is wise to accept that help. The samurai of ancient Japan were the epitome of self-reliance. Yet, even the samurai understood that there were times when the strength of others was needed to achieve their goals. A samurai did not fight alone; they fought alongside a brotherhood, bound by mutual respect and the knowledge that in order to protect honor, they needed the support of their comrades. Independence, then, is not an act of isolation, but of knowing when to stand alone and when to stand with others.

So too, Townsend reminds us of the wisdom in asking for help when it is needed. In the mythic age, Heracles—the mighty hero of Greek mythology—was known for his strength and his many trials, but even he could not accomplish his twelve labors alone. In one of his most famous tasks, he had to capture the Ceryneian Hind, a creature that no one had been able to catch. Yet it was with the guidance and support of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, that he was able to succeed. Heracles, like all great figures, understood that while strength is important, the wisdom to seek help is what truly makes a person capable of overcoming their greatest challenges.

Townsend’s words teach us that independence is a worthy goal, one that empowers us to live on our own terms, but it is equally important to recognize when to allow others to share in our journey. Independence is not a solitary endeavor, but a shared experience, one that thrives on mutual respect and understanding. Like the ancient warriors, like the philosophers, like the heroes of old, we must learn the art of standing on our own while also understanding that at times, our greatest strength comes from the support and wisdom of those around us.

Take this wisdom into your own lives, O children, as you seek to carve your own path in the world. Strive for independence, but never let pride or stubbornness prevent you from accepting help when it is needed. Remember that true strength lies not in isolation, but in the balance of standing firm in your own identity while also being open to the wisdom, love, and guidance of others. The path of independence is one of growth, of self-reliance, but also of knowing when to lean on others, when to accept the gift of shared wisdom, and when to walk together in solidarity. In this balance, you will find the strength not just to survive, but to thrive.