Children Quote by Erich Fromm
““When a person feels that he has not been able to make sense of his own life, he tries to make sense of it in terms of the life of his children. But one is bound to fail within oneself and for the children. The former because the problem of existence can be solved by each one only for himself, and not by proxy; the latter because one lacks in the very qualities which one needs to guide the children in their own search for an answer.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Loving, Erich Fromm, 1956
People often project their unresolved existential questions onto their children, but true meaning must be found individually, not through others.
In simple terms: Seeking meaning for yourself, not through kids.
Key Takeaway
Find personal purpose, don’t rely on children.
Themes
existential
parenting
self‑discovery
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- family counseling
- personal therapy
- life coaching
- parent‑child conversations
Key Concepts
authenticity
responsibility
meaning
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you address your own existential doubts without involving your children?
- What personal practices help you discover meaning independently?
A Different Perspective
Children cannot solve adult existential crises; personal growth requires self‑reflection.
![“I think [Karl] Marx, Pope John XXIII or Rosa Luxemburg [had achieved the mode of existence].But it would be useless to look at a list of illustrious names.” quote by Erich Fromm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/10f/erich-fromm-367_existence_i-think-karl-marx-pope-john-xxiii-or-ros_105242.jpg)
