Character Quote by Kelly Bryson
““and self-responsibility can only occur where the child is surrounded with moral behavior and allowed to grow her own understanding of the ideals of integrity, interdependence and interconnectedness. He put it this way, “Moral autonomy appears when the mind regards as necessary an ideal that is independent of all external pressure.” But this moral autonomy is not supported in our topsy-turvy school and family systems where respect for authority actually means fear of authority. Where there is fear there cannot be respect. Although a child may envy or fear the power a parent or teacher wields over them, their feelings do not include the sacred, essential quality of loving reverence which makes respect, respect. It is akin to the battered dependent wife saying she loves and respects her abuser, when her daily experience is fear. Jerry Jampolsky, author and founder of the Center for Attitudinal Healing, reminds us that it is fear, not hate, that is love’s opposite. If, however, a truly educational atmosphere is created based on respect for autonomy instead of intimidating indoctrination, children can then deeply understand that rules are needed to maintain the social order, and do not have to be obeyed out of a blind acquiescence to authority, but are followed on the bases of mutual agreement. At the same time, the needs of the individual are protected and respected. Nice “Guise”and Gals It is at this Stage Six—Universal Ethical””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Six Stages of Universal Ethics by Kelly Bryson, 2020
Moral autonomy develops when children learn integrity, interdependence, and interconnectedness without fear‑based authority, fostering genuine respect through mutual agreement.
In simple terms: Children learn true respect when fear is removed and autonomy is valued.
Create supportive, autonomy‑respecting environments.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- schools
- family parenting
- child development
- community programs
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can educators replace fear with autonomy?
- What practices nurture mutual respect?
Fear can undermine respect, making it hard to distinguish genuine reverence from compliance.