“Seth material” search engine (Jane Roberts)

An art gallery did not have to be the answer, of course. Some like institution would have served as well. Ruburt did have a larger measure of independence at the gallery until very recently, and it is this more than anything which causes the difficulty.

The rebellion is caused by the restrictions. He was more used to an independence of motion, and greater leeway in using his own judgment. The conflict arises because he tries to balance this, which grates against his grain, with the hope of, or against the hope of, future possibilities of gaining more independence, and using creative abilities in teaching the children’s classes.

In the past he stayed at the gallery despite some natural disadvantages, because of the independence which he enjoyed there, because of the commitment mentioned earlier, and because of innate interest in paintings which surrounded him. But the fair amount of independence allowed was the main point.

Ruburt was not projecting other difficulties to the gallery situation, as both of you thought probable, but was reacting to the limits set upon independence.

The new director does indeed have a fussy, almost womanish love of detail for detail’s sake, and this sort of mind is one with which Ruburt finds it difficult to attune when closely involved. And here is a pretty point: Ruburt’s insistence upon the term gallery secretary left room for a certain independence and impersonality and leeway, that the term Mr. So-and-so’s secretary does not leave room for.

This is then the reason for our fuss, and since Ruburt did enjoy a certain independence in which he functioned well, he now feels deprived and angry. It will be difficult for me to say more, though this much should be a great help. Also, close or even fairly close supervision bothers Ruburt because of the constant closeness of his mother in space, during youth.

The money actually has little to do with it here, as far as the basic problem is concerned. Ruburt subconsciously wanted more money to make up for the lack of independence, or rather the taking away of independence. More pay will of course help generally but will not begin to make up for the basic situation, if it is not changed.

Ruburt’s remark to you was indeed unfortunate, because it aroused your own fears. Independence is extremely important for both of you. You merely show it in different ways.