There is in every child at every stage a new miracle of vigorous unfolding.

- Erik Erikson

Adolescents need freedom to choose, but not so much freedom that they cannot, in fact, make a choice.

- Erik Erikson

The sense of identity provides the ability to experience one's self as something that has continuity and sameness, and to act accordingly.

- Erik Erikson

The richest and fullest lives attempt to achieve an inner balance between three realms: work, love and play.

- Erik Erikson

Children love and want to be loved and they very much prefer the joy of accomplishment to the triumph of hateful failure. Do not mistake a child for …

- Erik Erikson

In the social jungle of human existence, there is no feeling of being alive without a sense of identity.

- Erik Erikson

When we looked at the life cycle in our 40s, we looked to old people for wisdom. At 80, though, we look at other 80-year-olds to see who got wise and…

- Erik Erikson

Play is the most natural method of self-healing that childhood affords.

- Erik Erikson

Children cannot be fooled by empty praise and condescending encouragement. They may have to accept artificial bolstering of their self-esteem in lieu…

- Erik Erikson