2006-07-18 14:49:06 · 10 answers · asked by Tom 7 in Social Science ➔ Sociology
The answers you received seem to sum-up your question. The adage is undoubtedly the result of retrospection of those who feel that life has passed them by as they were busy "making a living" for themselves. It is generally thought by adults that young people are thoughtless, disrespectful, and reckless with their own mortality. In the movie Vanilla Sky, Tom Cruise ponders "...isn't that what being young is about?...secretly believing that you will be the first person in the history of mankind to live forever."
Such generalizations and stereotypes are, of course, not accurate of every young person. However, from what I've seen (now that I am 32), I tend to agree with that old saying more and more each year.
For a very deep and poetic articulation of that adage, check out the song "Thru the Eyes of Ruby" from the album "Melloncollie & The Infinite Sadness" by The Smashing Pumpkins.
Great answers everyone :)
2006-07-18 17:09:21 · answer #1 · answered by lucid_anomaly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Youth is not wasted on anyone. This expression is suggestive that it is better to be young than old, that somehow, if a person could regain their youth they would do more. More of what is up for debate! Truth is, youth is a condition of the mind, not the physical conditions of the body. I know young people that are very sloth like in their approach to life, and I know old people who are active and youthful. When someone uses this expression, ask them why they wasted their youth and to stop projecting negative stereotypes on the young.
2006-07-18 22:21:58 · answer #2 · answered by stormin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ouch - that is not just an old saying said by old people who have regrets. Its not even necessarily true - ask any older person who is going through their second childhood. The saying came about in response to older people who felt that the spontaneity afforded them in their youth was wasted because it wasn't until they were older and had more financial resources that they could really afford to do all the things they wanted to do when they were young. Now they can't do it because they have the money but aren't physically not able to do a lot of things.
2006-07-18 22:16:58 · answer #3 · answered by Sonie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Youth can be a time of being foolish and often not acting with the wisdom that comes with age. Sometimes age longs for the energy of youth, all that vigor, and that is the element of the saying that is considered wasteful.
When I was young, I enjoyed that. Now that I am older, I am enjoying this period in my life - but maybe stopping the aging period here would be fine with me..
2006-07-18 22:23:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I knew then what I know now
I'd have a better life somehow.
The work it took to get me here
I've come upon with old age near.
(First rights only)
2006-07-18 22:25:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why are BMW, Mercedes, Jags, wasted on old people?
2006-07-18 21:52:38 · answer #6 · answered by trafficer21 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To keep the species alive. The rest is gratis. Enjoy every moment of every day. You now know how to appreciate it. :)
2006-07-18 21:59:47 · answer #7 · answered by rodneycrater 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We're never able to fully appreciate everything we have in the present because we always want more!
2006-07-18 21:52:34 · answer #8 · answered by Chloe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because people are stuck with the families they are born in.
2006-07-18 22:08:39 · answer #9 · answered by Andy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is just an old saying by old people who have regrets.
2006-07-18 21:59:23 · answer #10 · answered by sickcured? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋