Commandment Quote by Alice MIller, The Drama of the gifted child
““It is highly significant, perplexing to say the least, that we have been bound for thousands of years to a commandment that hardly anyone has questioned, simply because it underscores the physical reality that all children, whether abused or not, always love their parents. Only as adults do we have a choice. But we often behave as if we were still children who never had the right to question the commandments laid down to them by their parents.””
About This Quote
Adults inherit unquestioned parental commands, but maturity allows them to evaluate and choose whether to uphold or reject those directives.
In simple terms: Adults can question inherited parental rules.
Key Takeaway
Maturity brings moral autonomy.
Themes
family
authority
growth
psychology
choice
Mood
thoughtful
introspective
Type
psychological
reflective
When to use this quote
- therapeutic counseling
- career decision making
- cultural tradition reassessment
Key Concepts
intergenerational conditioning
critical thinking
Practical Applications
- reflective journaling
- boundary‑setting exercises
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it healthy to challenge family expectations?
- What tools help differentiate personal values from inherited ones?
A Different Perspective
Deep emotional bonds may make questioning parental norms psychologically painful.
