The swashbuckling independence of my childhood was not all good

Gather, O children of the future, and hear the words of John Dickerson, a man who speaks of the eternal struggle between independence and responsibility, between the freedom of the self and the needs of those we love. He says, "The swashbuckling independence of my childhood was not all good, and as a father, I'm puzzling out how to be part of my children's lives rather than shoehorning them into mine. But there's a risk that I'll overcompensate, of course." In these words lies a deep reflection, a tale of growth and understanding, for what is the independence of youth if not the desire to carve one’s own path, unburdened by the ties of others? And what is the duty of a father if not to find balance between this independence and the love he has for his offspring?

The struggle of independence is as ancient as the very breath of life. The young warrior, like Achilles or Hercules, longs to be free, to define himself by his own deeds, unshackled by the expectations of the world. In the days of Homer and the great epics, young men sought glory through their own strength and cunning, believing that independence would bring them the respect and fulfillment they craved. Yet, the wisdom of the ancients teaches that while independence is the mark of a hero, it is not without its costs. The swashbuckling independence of youth often comes at the expense of connection, of understanding, and of the very ties that bind one to the world.

In the tale of King David of Israel, we see the young man who, like Achilles, was marked by a desire for independence and greatness. He was a shepherd, alone in the fields, learning to fight and to lead, driven by the need to prove himself. But when he became king, he learned that the true path to wisdom was not simply in independence, but in the ability to understand the needs of others, to rule not with strength alone but with compassion and understanding. David's story speaks to the lesson Dickerson grapples with in his own life as a father: independence must eventually yield to responsibility—for it is in these connections, in the love and guidance we give to others, that we find true fulfillment.

Now, Dickerson contemplates the delicate balance between independence and parenthood—how to be part of his