Thus, just as animals of many species, including man, are disposed to respond with fear to sudden movement or a marked change in level of sound or light because to do so has a survival value, so are many species, including man, disposed to respond to separation from a potentially caregiving figure and for the same reasons.

Life is best organized as a series of daring ventures from a secure base

If we value our children, we must cherish their parents

The propensity to make strong emotional bonds to particular individuals [is] a basic component of human nature

If a community values its children, it must cherish its mothers.

Behind the mask of indifference is bottomless misery and behind apparent callousness, despair.

Thus, just as animals of many species, including man, are disposed to respond with fear to sudden movement or a marked change in level of sound or light because to do so has a survival value, so are many species, including man, disposed to respond to separation from a potentially caregiving figure and for the same reasons.