For a person to become a man, woman, or parent in the true sense of the word, one has to first of all develop his or her autonomous identity as human

We should give first priority to the development of an independent spirit as a human being before considering one's role as a man, woman, child or parent. In other words, for a person to become a man, woman, child or parent in the true sense of the word, one has to first of all develop his or her autonomous identity as a human being.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 13/5