Leaving home in a sense involves a kind of second birth in which we give birth to ourselves.

That happiness is to be attained through limitless material acquisition is denied by every religion and philosophy known to mankind, but is preached incessantly by every American television set.

The family is in flux, and signs of trouble are widespread. Expectations remain high. But realities are disturbing.

We have to treat others as part of who we are, rather than as a 'them' with whom we are in constant competition.

We never get to the bottom of ourselves on our own. We discover who we are face to face and side by side with others in work, love and learning.

However painful the process of leaving home, for parents and for children, the really frightening thing for both would be the prospect of the child never leaving home.

Our culture is at a critical cusp - a time that requires that we define what it means to be a citizen in a democracy. Within our nation we need to foster a greater sense of collective responsibility.