The old know what they want; the young are sad and bewildered

The old know what they want; the young are sad and bewildered

Logan Pearsall Smith, a British essayist and critic, once famously said, "The old know what they want; the young are sad and bewildered." This statement speaks to the idea that as people age, they become more certain of their desires and goals, while younger individuals often struggle with feelings of confusion and uncertainty.

One interpretation of Smith's quote is that with age comes wisdom and experience. Older individuals have had more time to reflect on their lives, make mistakes, and learn from them. As a result, they have a clearer understanding of what they want out of life and how to achieve it. They have a sense of purpose and direction that can be lacking in younger people who are still trying to figure out who they are and what they want.

On the other hand, young people are often portrayed as being sad and bewildered because they are still in the process of discovering themselves and their place in the world. They may feel overwhelmed by the myriad choices and possibilities that lie ahead of them, unsure of which path to take. This sense of confusion and uncertainty can lead to feelings of sadness and anxiety as they grapple with the pressures of growing up and finding their place in society.

However, it is important to note that not all young people are sad and bewildered, just as not all older individuals have everything figured out. Age is not necessarily a determining factor in one's level of contentment or clarity in life. Some young people may have a strong sense of purpose and direction, while some older individuals may still be searching for meaning and fulfillment.