Illusions.

The strange superstition has arisen in the Western world that we can start all over again, remaking human nature, human society, and the possibilities of happiness; as though the knowledge and experience of our ancestors were now entirely irrelevant.  But on what fund of knowledge are we to draw when framing our alternative?  The utopias have proved to be illusions, and the most evident result of our "liberation" from traditional constraints has been widespread discontent with the human condition.  It seems to me, therefore, that you should prepare your children to be happy in the way that you are happy.  Treat them exactly as you would if your own ideals were generally shared.  After all, your ideals like your children, define you: between them, they are all that you have.

Sir Roger Scruton, from Gentle Regrets: Thoughts from a Life