An important latent meaning [is] that a democratic society is “mature,” that is to say, that it has a quality that is allied to the quality of individual maturity which characterizes its healthy members. — Donald Winnicott.
I haven’t talked about maturity much in the Hubbell Pew especially societal maturity, but maturity is an attribute and characteristic I much admire. Maturity is much more than age, it is something we carry into whatever we do. It is a state of mind and presence that exists to resist our worst instincts.
We notice when a child reacts maturely. We shake our head in disgust when an adult acts immaturely. We expect maturity from our leaders and pray that others act in a mature fashion.
God created a process where young people as they grow they also mature. Acting maturely is not being a stick in the mud or a spoil sport. Mature people still can have fun, dance, and sing. But there are times for maturity, and a refusal to act mature in a serious situation needs not to be supported.
Individual and societal maturity are interconnected.
Just as a mature individual can navigate complex situations with grace and responsibility, a mature society can effectively address challenges and promote the common good. However, societal maturity is challenged by factors such as polarization, misinformation, and corruption, which can erode trust, hinder effective governance, and create divisions within communities.
Overcoming these challenges requires a commitment to open dialogue, critical thinking, and a shared sense of purpose.
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