“His best companion, innocence and health. And his best riches ignorance and wealth. How happy he who crowns in shades like these. A youth of Labour with an age of ease”, said Oliver goldsmith. This but vividly sums up what youth is all about. It is indeed sad, that this stage in our lives comes but only once, for what precedes it is childhood, which is spent in play and fun and what follows is old age and misery. Thus in a sense, this is the prime time of our lives.
Youth is indeed “age of ease†for they are mentally and physically in the pink of health. Their minds are fresh and hence more receptive to new ideas and thoughts. Physically too they have matured with all faculty functioning optimally. It is, therefore, the right age, for them to choose their future career, by selecting a specific course of study. This is why we find most competitive examinations targeting youth. Their physical attributes and adaptability to their new environment make them ideal for recruitment to the defense services.
The innocence and the ignorance are but a blessing, for they suffer from no prejudice doubts and thus their approach to life is positive and optimistic. This makes them highly enthusiastic and daring. Thus in time of an emergency, their enthusiasm can carry the day for them.
The youth today are however not a happy lot, for, despite their endowments, their peers and parents expect too much from them. This makes them stretch beyond their capacity, that at times leads to psychological disturbance and frustration. They have at times also been accused of using their heart, rather than brains, to decide on important matters concerning them. This makes them vulnerable to get easily misguided. Their inexperience and lack of worldly wisdom make them a novice when it comes to performing especially demanding work that calls for specialization.
Notwithstanding these disadvantages, one still longs for one’s youth to come back, for the wealth of youth is priceless indeed. It is unfortunate, however, that in this play of life the part of youth has but no retake. We must, therefore, live the part truly and sincerely.
