Freedom, Responsibility, Wisdom

"Maturity is a balance between freedom and responsibility.

"To the young, getting older seems attractive because of freedom. The older they become, the more they choose for themselves their friends, what they wear, and how they live their lives. Yet undisciplined freedom can lead to selfishness, greed, and isolation.

"To adults, staying young seems attractive because of responsibility. The younger they were, they recall, the less responsible they were for their own lives and for the lives of others. Yet irresponsible adulthood robs us of dignity, and is no strategy for mature happiness.

"Wisdom comes fro the right balance of freedom and responsibility. We know that we are free to choose our own path. We are wise when we find pursuits that help ourselves and help our community. The dignity of assuming responsibility provides a deep satisfaction, for the mastery of our own lives gives us the power to help others."

-- Rabbi Adam Chalom
7/25/2009
in celebration of
the bar mitzvah of
Rob Klien.