This quote suggests that maturity, often associated with wisdom and rationality, can sometimes be more irrational or absurd than youth, which is typically considered naive or inexperienced. It also implies that maturity can be unfair to youth, potentially through the imposition of expectations, judgments, or restrictions that may not be reasonable or considerate.
The phrase “more absurd than youth” might refer to the paradoxes and contradictions that can come with maturity. For instance, adults might insist on the importance of honesty, yet they themselves might not always be honest. They might advocate for creativity and originality, yet often conform to societal norms. They might also argue against reckless behavior, yet they themselves might engage in harmful habits like smoking or excessive drinking.
The part “very frequently is most unjust to youth” could mean that the mature often judge the young harshly, failing to remember their own youthful follies. They might impose strict rules, expect them to behave like adults, or look down on them for their lack of experience. This can be unjust because it doesn’t acknowledge that youth is a time for learning, making mistakes, and personal growth.
In today’s world, this could be seen in how society often criticizes young people for being glued to their phones or social media, while adults themselves spend a significant amount of time on their devices or platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. It could also be seen in how society expects young people to decide on their career paths early on, despite the unpredictability and rapid changes in today’s job market.
In terms of personal development, this quote can remind us to be more understanding and patient with young people, allowing them the space to grow, learn, and make mistakes. It can also encourage us to reflect on our own behaviors and attitudes, challenging the idea that maturity always equates to wisdom or rationality. It can serve as a reminder that regardless of our age, we are all capable of being absurd or unjust at times, and that we should strive for self-improvement and fairness in our interactions with others.
