10/26/2026
Yesterday, I came across a quotation from Walter Lippmann, the renowned American journalist and political commentator:
The quotation appeared in Lippmann’s essay “Roosevelt Is Gone,” written shortly after the death of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Lippmann’s point was that a truly great leader does not make himself indispensable. Rather than leaving behind a fragile system that depends on his continued presence, he stabilizes crises, builds durable institutions, and enables others to carry on successfully.
In other words, good leadership fosters independence rather than dependency. It builds for the long term rather than relying on one extraordinary individual.
This idea made me think about parenting and the Chinese saying “富不过三代” (Fù bú guò sān dài), often translated as “Wealth rarely lasts beyond three generations.” Perhaps one reason family fortunes are difficult to sustain is that passing down wealth is not the same as passing down the judgment, discipline, and abilities needed to manage it.
Good parents, like good leaders, do not need to be constantly present to solve every problem their children encounter. Their goal should be to prepare their children to handle challenges independently.
This means helping children develop good habits, sound judgment, problem-solving skills, and self-discipline. It also means creating routines and clear expectations that help them manage their responsibilities without constant reminders.
For example, instead of immediately intervening whenever siblings argue, parents can teach them a simple process for listening to each other, explaining their feelings, and working toward a solution. With practice, the children can use the same approach when their parents are not around.
Similarly, instead of reminding children every night to pack their schoolbags, parents can help them establish a checklist and a designated place for their school supplies. Eventually, the routine becomes a habit, requiring less parental supervision.
The goal is to build a structure that works even when parents are busy, tired, or away.
In the long run, the greatest gift a parent can give a child is the ability to stand on their own two feet.
