In its search for that combination of freedom and discipline, of adventure and tradition, which suits its state, youth may exploit (and be exploited by) the most varied devotions. Subjecting itself to hardship and discipline, it may seek sanctioned opportunities for spatial dispersion, follow wandering apprenticeships, heed the call of frontiers, man the outposts of new nations, fight (almost any- body’s) holy wars, or test the limits of locomotive machine-power. By the same token it is ready to provide the physical power and the vociferous noise of rebellions, riots, and lynchings, often knowing little and caring less for the real issues involved.
-Erik Erikson, Young Man Luther, p. 42?
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March 15th, 2010 at 5:07 PM
I’m reminded of the group of students in Les Miserables, fighting for the idealist’s revolution and instead of achieving it, dying on the barricade.
“Oh my friends, my friends, don’t ask me
What your sacrifice was for
Empty chairs at empty tables
Where my friends will sing no more.”
The comment on youth: so true.
March 17th, 2010 at 6:32 PM
A great scene and song. Actually, that whole play is rockin’.