Imagine a scale with two opposite poles: at the one end, there are rigid rules and strict taboos, at the other, relativism and a lack of boundaries - 'anything goes'.The modernisation of our society can be described as a movement along this scale, away from restrictions, impositions, rules and taboos. We have gained greater tolerance and greater individual freedom. Authorities are questioned, not just those with power in society but also parents and adults in general. In today's society, maturation is no ideal; youth is what is celebrated.To a large extent, these changes have been for the better; but how are standards transferred from generation to generation in a society obsessed with youth, where nothing is taken for granted and nothing impossible?