Inspirational Quote
My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.
Clarence Budington Kelland
A Depth Psychology Perspective
Little did I know that the symbolism present in the Myth of Daedalus would lead me to such a journey exploring fatherhood’s mythical underpinnings. I wanted to start with an easy project; how hard could it be to explore the symbolism present in a story of an oppositionally defiant that, in his unwillingness to head his father’s warnings, plummets to his demise. Even though the story is brief, its symbolism has much psychological gold to give its reader.
True; I had a moment of laziness present. How hard could a 3-page tale be to analyze? Plus, it was a story I related to as told by my favorite childhood rock band, Iron Maiden, in their rendition called “The Flight of Icarus.” Maybe that is why they teach objective reasoning as a philosophy of science. I was guilty of letting my predispositions cloud my judgment, a lesson I quickly learned from as I began to work the symbolic content present in the story.
Fatherhood is a mythic yet delicate flower to unfold. As we have examined, Daedalus shows an unwillingness to correct his son’s path, even at the expense of having a teachable moment with the very child he loves. What are his expectations for his son? “Do as I say, not as I do…” I think we all know, deep down inside, how well this philosophy of life works.
To be a father is a one-time game. While we may make up for past mistakes, we can never correct those times where a teachable moment has passed. Maybe that is why the ancient Greeks say Carpe Diem, or “Seize the Day.”
This citation stood out to me today, as it shows the beauty of life through lived action. For myself, I want my children, two boys, to identify with the values I hold dear. God, Family, Learning, Travel, Unity, and Hard Work. How can I help teach that to my boys? Every day, I strive to show them, not talk about what I am doing. It may not be a fool-proof way to go at parenting, but it allows me a perspective to watch this incredible journey called fatherhood unfold.
Thank you for reading. Namaste, and may blessings find you on your journey to advance confidently in the direction of your dreams.