I grew up in Queens, in New York City, in a middle class Jewish

Hearken, O children of memory and lineage, to the reflection of Elliott Abrams, who traces the origins of character and conviction: “I grew up in Queens, in New York City, in a middle-class Jewish family. My mother was a public school teacher, my father was a lawyer. They were Democrats—kind of middle-of-the-road Democrats.” In these words lies a meditation upon the shaping forces of family, community, and circumstance, the roots from which identity, values, and purpose emerge.

Abrams’ recollection reveals the quiet power of heritage and environment. Queens, a bustling borough of diversity and vitality, provides a tapestry of experience where ideas, beliefs, and cultures intersect. Within this milieu, his family offered guidance, example, and moral framing. His parents’ professions—teacher and lawyer—embody both the cultivation of knowledge and the application of justice. Here lies an ancient truth: the character of the child is molded as much by the vocation, conduct, and values of parents as by formal education.

Consider the life of Benjamin Franklin, born into a modest family in colonial Boston. Though not of wealth, his parents instilled in him discipline, intellectual curiosity, and civic responsibility. Franklin’s early environment, combined with parental example, set the stage for a life of invention, diplomacy, and civic leadership. Abrams’ upbringing mirrors this principle: the lessons of parents, the tenor of the household, and the social and political climate of one’s community plant seeds that flourish throughout life.

The essence of this reflection lies in the cultivation of moderation, perspective, and moral orientation. Abrams’ parents were Democrats, “middle-of-the-road,” not extreme in their ideology but engaged in the currents of civic life. Such an upbringing teaches the child balance, reasoned judgment, and the capacity to navigate complex social landscapes. Ideological moderation, combined with ethical clarity, forms the foundation for responsible citizenship and thoughtful engagement with the world.

Even in contemporary life, the lesson endures. The household—the family’s ethos, professional example, and political outlook—shapes the contours of thought, morality, and ambition. Many great leaders and thinkers trace their roots to households where parents embodied both dedication to work and commitment to principles, whether in education, law, commerce, or civic service. These foundations instill not merely knowledge, but character, resilience, and the capacity for discernment.

Abrams’ reflection also underscores the role of community and place. Queens, with its bustling streets, cultural diversity, and energy, provided a living classroom in which the child absorbed the rhythms of society. The combination of parental guidance and communal exposure nurtures awareness, empathy, and adaptability. To grow in such a setting is to learn early the balance between personal identity, family values, and social interaction.

O children of reflection, take this teaching to heart: honor the heritage and guidance you inherit, recognize the influence of family and community, and allow their lessons to shape your path with care and intention. Observe the example of those who came before you, and cultivate balance, integrity, and reasoned judgment. In this way, the roots of upbringing bear fruit in both thought and action, guiding the individual toward wisdom and purpose.

Thus, let the words of Elliott Abrams echo through your understanding: the measure of a life begins in the household, in the professions of parents, in the values imparted, and in the community that surrounds you. Draw upon these foundations, reflect upon them critically, and allow them to illuminate the choices and paths of your own journey. In this communion of family, place, and principle lies the formation of character, civic virtue, and enduring wisdom.

If you wish, I can also create a practical guide for understanding and honoring your roots, inspired by Abrams’ reflection, with exercises for integrating heritage, family values, and community lessons into daily life. Do you want me to do that?