Interdependence

"There are three stages in one’s overall development. There is dependence. There is independence. And there is interdependence.... People can remain dependent for their whole lives ... Some people reach a state of independence, but never graduate beyond it.... There are many people who never are able to move beyond this intermediate stage of independence. To reach a state of interdependence represents a greater level of maturity within individuals.

In marriage

"In essence, stage one is about dependence. Stage two is about independence. And stage three is about interdependence—dependence, independence and interdependence. Marriage in stage one is about building security and reinforcing dependence. This fundamentally opposes personal honesty and the emergence of Knowledge. Marriage in stage two is more about people discovering and differentiating themselves by learning to think and act independently. This produces personal growth but makes the prospect of attaining real union and commitment in relationship very difficult to establish. Attempting marriage in the first two stages is very difficult."

For the sake of a common cause

"As humanity's idea of itself changes, its social institutions and structures will change as well. Fundamentally, you will begin to see yourself as a member of your world, not simply as a member of a nation or of a group or of a religion or of a culture or of an extended family or of a political persuasion. All of these things will be overshadowed by the presence of the Greater Community, which will make them increasingly insignificant. As this realization is passed from one generation to another, national interests will change, with a greater emphasis on interdepence with other nations and on mutual survival and well-being."