Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
John DrydenRead
Reason is a crutch for age, but youth is strong enough to walk alone.
Interpretation
Youth embodies strength and independence, while reason often serves as a support for the elderly.
This quote by John Dryden suggests that youth possesses an innate strength and capability that allows individuals to navigate life without reliance on reasoned thought or explanation. In contrast, as one ages, there is often a necessity to depend on reason and logic to manage life's complexities and challenges, indicating a shift in how individuals approach their experiences over time.
In practice
A motivational speech to inspire young people to trust their instincts.
Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
Of no distemper, of no blast he died, _x000D_ But fell like autumn fruit that mellow'd long: _x000D_ Even wonder'd at, because he dropp'd no sooner. _x000D_ Fate seem'd to wind him up for fourscore years; _x000D_ Yet freshly ran he on ten winters more; _x000D_ Till like a clock worn out with eating time, _x000D_ The wheels of weary life at last stood still.
Or hast thou known the world so long in vain?
Shame on the body for breaking down while the spirit perseveres.
Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; and every little absence is an age.
And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.
It is a fool's prerogative to utter truths that no one else will speak.
I have not conceived my mission to be that of a knight-errant wandering everywhere to deliver people from difficult situations. My humble occupation has been to show people how they can solve their own difficulties.
So, friends, every day do something that won't compute. Love the Lord. Love the world. Work for nothing. Take all that you have and be poor. Love someone who does not deserve it. Denounce the government and embrace the flag. Hope to live in that free republic for which it stands.
Until you have learned to be tolerant with those who do not always agree with you, you will be neither successful nor happy.
My father, my mother, and then my father was always on top of me - 'Keep your nose clean. Do you love what you're doing?' 'Yes.' 'Then be aware, or you're going to lose it.'
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