Graduate Quote by Millard Kaufman
““...your zeal to face life's rough and tumble, your ardor to accept the responsibilities of adulthood is hardly congruent with the aspirations of most graduate students...' He shook his head of disagreeable hair. 'I need not tell you,' he deplored, sinking to paralipsis, 'that there resides in almost every one of 'em the unconscious desire not to grow up. For once the academic goal is attained and the doctorate irradicably abbreviated after the name, the problem of facing the world is confronted. The subtlest, most unremitting drive of the student is his unconscious proclivity to postpone the acceptance of responsibility as long as possible.””
About This Quote
Describes the unconscious reluctance of graduates to assume adult responsibilities, viewing it as a psychological defense against maturity.
In simple terms: Graduates often avoid adult duties.
Key Takeaway
Accept responsibility early.
Themes
psychology
adulthood
education
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- Graduation celebrations
- career starts
- post‑doc life
Key Concepts
Defense mechanisms
identity formation
Questions to Reflect On
- What fears underlie avoidance of adult roles?
- How can one transition smoothly into responsibility?
A Different Perspective
May generalize across diverse individuals.
