So different are the colors of life, as we look forward to the future, or backward to the past; and so different the opinions and sentiments which this contrariety of appearance naturally produces, that the conversation of the old and young ends generally with contempt or pity on either side.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the differing perspectives of youth and age regarding life experiences and future aspirations.
Samuel Johnson's quote highlights the stark contrasts between how different generations perceive life, with young people looking ahead towards their potential and the future, while older individuals reflect on their past experiences. This divergence often leads to misunderstandings or a lack of appreciation, resulting in conversations filled with either contempt or pity, as each side struggles to comprehend the other's viewpoint on life.
In practice
During a panel discussion about societal change, this quote could be referenced to emphasize the generational divide in perspectives.
To be of no church is dangerous. Religion, of which the rewards are distant, and which is animated only by faith and hope, will glide by degrees out of the mind unless it be invigorated and reimpressed by external ordinances, by stated calls to worship, and the salutary influence of example.
He that reads and grows no wiser seldom suspects his own deficiency, but complains of hard words and obscure sentences, and asks why books are written which cannot be understood.
To let friendship die away by negligence and silence is certainly not wise. It is voluntarily to throw away one of the greatest comforts of the weary pilgrimage.
Fly-fishing may be a very pleasant amusement; but angling or float fishing I can only compare to a stick and a string, with a worm at one end and a fool at the other.
When any anxiety or gloom of the mind takes hold of you, make it a rule not to publish it by complaining; but exert yourselves to hide it, and by endeavoring to hide it you drive it away.
A fishing rod is a stick with a hook at one end and a fool at the other.
Mankind will endure when the world appreciates the logic of diversity.
America is not a country, it is a world.
She starched and ironed her face, forming it into just what people wanted to see.
Form follows profit is the aesthetic principle of our times.
I think it can be shown that the law makes ten criminals where it restrains one.
The Bible is the cornerstone of liberty.
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