Throughout history, society generally has delegated this responsibility to the battlefield
or religion.
For young men at that age are generally gullible, and ready to take offense or aggressively defend what they do not yet possess.
Should society fail in its endeavor to channel this energy, it tends to be bad news for the older men and women intent on keeping their money and possessions.
Revolutions tend to be nasty affairs.
For young men want money, power, and possessions, whether they have "earned" them or not. And it is manifestly unfair that they should be denied these things that older people have. Or so they think.
More recently, "modern" constructive solutions have arisen. It is now possible to prolong the childhood of these young men into their 30s by herding them into colleges. By the time they get to be 30, much of their piss and vinegar has dissipated and they become more docile. This was not an option 100 years ago. Back then, college was only for the rich, and they didn't need much shepherding.
While they are in college, many of the young men still vicariously reenact their inbred impulses to take to the battlefield through allegiances to college sport teams. It is a more humane option than the alternative. Knute Rockne makes a much better source of inspiration than Napoleon.
And all goes well as long as there is a promise of a better future life when the young men turn 30 and have delayed their gratification.
However, there is something in the air says the prophet. The spiritual man is mad. The young doubt their future. Like a plug without a socket, they wander aimlessly literally and figuratively. And a growing discontent pervades the countryside.
No comments:
Post a Comment