Why is it that young people know everything?
How could they become so smart so soon?
Oscar Wilde the Irish poet and novelist once said; “I am not young enough to know everything.” This statement exemplifies his unique vision of the world. What he saw in his day, is the same that we see today. Why is it that when we are young we act like we know everything? Why does it appear that when we are young we are afraid of making a mistake?
Is it the pressure that parents put on our children? Is it the fear of not being perfect? I think the remedy for all young people is to remember that no one ever learned from being perfect. We all need to remember that life is a journey and the journey is full of good and tough times. We are going to do well in some areas and fail miserably in others. The key is to learn from your mistakes or failures. Remember that mistakes mean you have to persevere. And when you persevere, you become a new and improved version of yourself.
What is one way you can become a new and improved version of yourself today?
Good question Tim.
I think the answer is that for our species to survive over the millennia, we needed young people to be bold, courageous, and confident.
Think of the ages of the front ranks in all conflicts since the first caveman picked up a dinosaur shin bone to thump his neighbour with – the ones who become canon-fodder.
They were and are still, mostly young, mid to late teens, early twenties. Those that survive to become wiser generals, mainly lead from behind.
Without that invincibility of youth, there would have been an acute shortage of fighters willing to test their courage in battle.
That same sense of invincibility and know-it-all attitude today gives youth and young adults the confidence to set up homes and raise families before they become jaded, middle aged and too cautious to try anything new.
Wonderful thoughts Peter!
But how do we get more young people to buy-in to the idea you suggested?