I was looking very much for a career. My second marriage to Stan

Listen closely, O Children of the Future, to the words of Linda Evans, who speaks with deep reflection on the journey of independence and self-discovery: "I was looking very much for a career. My second marriage to Stan Herman had ended, and I wanted very much to be independent, not take alimony from him, be on my own, do the right thing." In these words, Evans shares a truth as old as time itself—the struggle for independence, the desire to carve one's own path after life’s hardships, and the bravery it takes to stand alone. Her story is not just about career ambition, but about the deep, primal need to reclaim one’s identity and live with honor and self-sufficiency.

In the ancient world, there were many stories of individuals who sought to forge their own path, often in the face of immense societal pressure. Take, for example, Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, who, though bound by marriage and longing for her husband’s return, managed her household and maintained her dignity in the face of overwhelming challenges. She did not sit idly by while others made decisions for her; instead, she exercised her strength, keeping the fabric of her world intact. Penelope’s independence was not about rejecting her marriage, but about preserving her integrity, doing the right thing despite the trials that came her way. Like Penelope, Linda Evans sought to reclaim her own dignity and purpose after her second marriage ended, knowing that her journey forward needed to be one of self-reliance and independent action.

The story of Evans is a reflection of a universal truth that spans across time: after loss, whether in marriage or other aspects of life, the heart must find a way to move forward, to stand on its own two feet. Evans’ desire for independence is a cry for freedom—freedom not just from the dependency on another, but from the constraints of societal expectations. Independence, in this sense, is not just about physical autonomy, but about self-empowerment, about standing tall and saying, "I will be the master of my own fate." It is a powerful and necessary journey, one that, like the heroes of ancient epics, requires strength, resolve, and a deep commitment to doing what is right, regardless of the cost.

History, too, is filled with examples of those who sought independence and self-sufficiency in the face of personal hardship. Consider the story of Joan of Arc, who, though a young peasant girl, rose to lead the French army and fight for her country’s independence. Her vision and resolve were unwavering, and though she faced incredible challenges and resistance, she never turned away from the path she believed was right. Joan’s independence was not born out of a desire to be alone, but out of a deep sense of duty and self-respect. Like Joan, Evans too sought to carve her own path, not through battle, but through the strength of her spirit and the courage to pursue a new chapter in her life.

In the story of Evans’ second marriage, there is also an echo of moral responsibility—the refusal to take alimony or be dependent on a former partner. This act, though deeply personal, speaks to the larger value of integrity. In the eyes of many, alimony can be seen as a rightful support for a spouse after divorce, but for Evans, it was a symbol of self-respect, a desire to live on her own terms, and an unwillingness to be bound by past decisions. This decision is a statement of autonomy—the refusal to allow a past relationship to define or limit her future. She chose to build a life from the ground up, knowing that true independence comes not from the help of others, but from the strength within oneself.

The lesson, O Children, is this: Independence is not just the ability to live alone or to stand apart—it is the ability to honor your own choices, to take responsibility for your own life, and to forge a path based on your values and integrity. It is the courage to rebuild after loss, to reclaim your power, and to live authentically. Linda Evans’ words remind us that self-reliance is a noble and necessary pursuit, and that it is never too late to reclaim the life you want to live.

In your own life, remember this: Do not fear the path of independence. Whether you face the end of a relationship, a career setback, or any other personal challenge, know that strength lies in your ability to make decisions for yourself and to shape your own destiny. Do not let circumstances dictate your future, but choose the life you want, guided by honor, integrity, and self-respect. Embrace the courage to build your own life, knowing that true freedom and fulfillment come when you are the master of your own fate. And as you walk this path, remember that in the struggle for independence, there is a deep and ancient wisdom that leads to greater strength and purpose.