“True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create theirown.”
— Nikos Kazantzakis
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“True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create their own.” — Nikos Kazantzakis. True mentorship is an act of profound love and selflessness, paving the way so others can soar higher than we ever could. Who is the bridge-builder in your life who helped you cross over into your own potential? Tag them below to say thank you! 👇✨
About this quote
At some point in our lives, most of us are blessed to meet someone who doesn't just teach us facts, but fundamentally changes how we see the world. Nikos Kazantzakis beautifully captures the profound selflessness of these true mentors—parents, teachers, and guides who bear the weight of our early uncertainties so we can safely reach the other side. They lend us their strength, patience, and wisdom, acting as a steady bridge over turbulent waters, asking for nothing in return except that we dare to move forward. The true magic of this quote lies in its bittersweet ending: 'joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create their own.' This is the ultimate life lesson in unconditional love and legacy. True leaders and guides find their greatest joy not in holding us back or making us dependent, but in watching us outgrow them. They step aside so we can build our own paths, reminding us that the greatest tribute we can pay to those who shaped us is to become architects of our own destiny and safe havens for others.
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Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
