Behinds Quote by Thomas Hooker
“When the father is going on in his journey, if the child will not goe on, but stands gaping upon vanity, and when the father calls, he comes not, the onely way is this: the father steps aside behind a bush, and then the child runs and cries, and if he gets his father againe, he forsakes all his trifles, and walkes on more faster and more cheerefully with his father than ever.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: The Ten Commandments of Early American Governance, 1636
A child resists following his father's path, but when the father steps back, the child seeks him and then follows more eagerly.
In simple terms: A child will chase a parent who steps aside, then follow more eagerly.
Key Takeaway
Give space, then guide.
Themes
parenting
obedience
motivation
Mood
reflective
encouraging
Type
advice
instructional
When to use this quote
- family life
- education
- leadership
- mentoring
Key Concepts
psychology
behavioral dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does giving space affect motivation?
- When should a leader step back?
A Different Perspective
If the parent never steps aside, the child may never learn to follow.
