Obedience Quote by Elizabeth Gaskell
““Now, the error which many parents commit in the treatment of the individual at this time(adolescense) is, insisting on the same unreasoning obedience as when all he had to do in the way of duty was, to obey the simple laws of "Come when you're called," and "Do as you're bid!" But a wise parent humours the desire for independent action, so as to become the friend and adviser when his absolute rule shall cease.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Mary Barton by Elizabeth Gaskell, 1848
Parents should guide adolescents toward independence rather than demanding blind obedience.
In simple terms: Guide teens, don’t just command.
Key Takeaway
Encourage autonomy while supporting.
Themes
parenting
adolescence
independence
Mood
reflective
empathetic
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- family discussions
- school counseling
- mentor relationships
Key Concepts
developmental psychology
authoritative parenting
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you support independent decision‑making?
- When should you set firm limits?
A Different Perspective
Balancing guidance with freedom can be challenging.
![“In 1914... [German] history, poetry, dream and the individual moment were all combined in one exhilarating sensation...The nation was a creation of one's imagination, a poetic truth, an ethical, not a social, construct... blind obedience was the true value... the stronger a person is... the more…” quote by The Rites of Spring Modris Eksteins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9a2/the-rites-of-spring-modris-eks_blind-obedience_in-1914-german-history-poetry-dream-and_16799.jpg)
