Independence and the related concepts of freedom and autonomy are key terms in philosophy of education. Teacher educators are keen on independence, but seem to hold different definitions of the concept, and these various definitions do not co-exist happily. The relative autonomy that one may be able to achieve is not to be had unless one acknowledges one's dependence. Without that acknowledgment, the independence that adults hurry toward and hurry their children toward, does not bring the adult solidity and security that were expected. Of course it is quite easy to get children to imitate and internalize the conventional models of independence, but this does not last because true autonomy requires that one have experienced and still be in touch with one's feelings of dependence. (JB)