*dependence.

[greenstorm]

Main Entry: de·pen·dence
Variant(s): also de·pen·dance /di-'pen-d&n(t)s/
Function: noun
1 : the quality or state of being dependent; especially : the quality or state of being influenced or determined by or subject to another
2 : RELIANCE, TRUST
3 : one that is relied on
4 a : drug addiction b : HABITUATION 2b

Huh. Impossible to be independent, given 1. Uncomfortable to be independent, given 2. Shameful to be independent, given 3.

Comments

[kurrs.livejournal.com]

Ummm, it is impossible to be completely independant.

[greenstorm.livejournal.com]

Like discussions of trust and commitment (to), I think this discussion needs a 'from'.

Independent from other human beings materially? Independent from other human beings intellectually? Emotionally?

Independent from the soil, plant life, the air?

[kurrs.livejournal.com]

My point was that being dependant was the natural state of things, so the dictionary agreeing with that shouldn't be surprising.

Independance can only be achieved in a narrow context. None of the independences you suggested are possible while still choosing to live (the second line is technically possible while maintaining life, but isn't while still remaining human: as humans are, at least in part, defined by their community).

[greenstorm.livejournal.com]

For some reason I dropped the 'im' when reading your post.

[estrellada.livejournal.com]

Interdependence, yo.

I also look at it from is my *dependence to/with/at X interfering with my desired level of functioning elsewhere?

[algae-al-fresco.livejournal.com]

weird. I've been thinking about dependence today too.