Reply #85: H2Oman, your post resonated with me on a deeper level.

[Bongo Prophet]

Beyond the surface layer of the things you said, i see some deeper truths.
Because one must be open to information, to let it roll in the mind and heart, in order to let the deeper implications become apparent - most will not take the time to see it. Too many are in the mindset of a besieged soldier to be reflective, but it is there to be appreciated, if anyone cares to do so. Here is my take on it.
Set aside for now the particulars and the personalities, and pause to ponder the larger historical cycle.

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Our principles are often formed when we are young, and because we do not have years of experience, we often have to make many mistakes along the way. Life's successes and failures then shape us, for better or worse. As you say, the strength of the young is in their righteousness, a deep acknowledgement of injustice and the courage (and yes, audacity) to think that they can address this injustice and make the world a better place. Too often, this is accompanied by a resentment of the previous generations, who are blamed for the damaged world they now find themselves in. Indeed, this can manifest as a certain defiant arrogance, and closes them to the well intentioned council of those who have gone before.

Those of us in mid years, between the roles of youth and elder, are a mixture of our youthful fire, when we first discovered the reality of the world as a cruel, yet beautiful place. We have to deal with the practicalities of day to day life, and keep from being embittered and lose hope for change. some choose to shout down naive youth, to tell them to be more cynical and cautious, and that they do not understand how life will beat you down. They want to give you a "reality check." Sometimes it is because they see youth as reckless, sometimes it is because they are nostalgic for that youth itself, and sometimes it is to protect them from the crushing disappointments that they know lie ahead.

The elders, if they are wise and not embittered by life, can see the cycle and recognize the value of that fire which heats the crucible of justice, the experience which tempers that fire and changes molten iron into cold steel. They see their role, to impart what perspective they can upon the process, as they now have seen clearly the whole wheel - and thus their responsibility to respect and aid in the continuation of the cycle, to further the cause for which they felt such fire in their own youth, to avoid the mistakes and give helpful guidance to the next generation. This is how we all can see our part, to keep the wheel turning toward justice and righteousness.


We should honor the passing of the torch, to allow, even encourage each generation to hope enough and care enough to embark upon that road, and dedicate ourselves to the struggle. Anyone who criticizes the youth, the experienced or the elders, does great harm to our ability to work together for common goals.

It is better to trust that you can change things than to begin life as a cynic - even while knowing that defeats as well as victories may lie ahead - than to be told to "shut up and follow, you are too young" or "get out of the way, you are too old." We are all in this together. We need to work together with mutual respect. It is the only way to honor all of those who went before us, and all of those who have yet to be born.


Not all of us in the mid years lose our inner fire, nor do we lose respect for the young, or our elders. We see the entire wheel, and our part in it, changing slowly as the seasons pass. Maybe it is the philosophy we hold, or the psychedelics, or just our personalities - but we are the wings upon that wheel, still young at heart, tempered with experience, and with the perspective which comes from seeing the whole cycle "from above" so to speak... Ours is a special responsibility, to point out the foibles gently, to speak to all with respect and understanding, no matter which of life's stations they are in. It is the responsibility of us who can see the process to point out the big picture, and pass on that awareness to others.

I know you did not overtly say any of this in your post. But it is the implied wisdom within your caring and learned being that imparted these "hidden" truths within. Obviously, a great deal of that truth lie in my own perception. This is how inspirational speaking works - it is not shallow words shoved into naive and cultish minds, but rather, an invocation of the spirit of justice and the call to work together and make common dreams happen.

To misunderstand this is sad. To let it cause one to lash out at the hopeful is tragic.