The young have exalted notions, because they have not been humbled by life or learned its necessary limitations; moreover, their hopeful disposition makes them think themselves equal to great things-and that means having exalted notions. They would always rather do noble deeds than useful ones: Their lives are regulated more by moral feeling than by reasoning.... All their mistakes are in the direction of doing things excessively and vehemently. They overdo everything; they love too much, hate too much, and the same with everything else.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Young people are driven by strong feelings and lofty ideals, often doing things excessively.
- In plain terms
- Young people feel strongly and try too hard because they are hopeful.
- What can you take from it?
- Youth is characterized by intense emotion and idealism.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is this true for all young people?
- Does passion lead to mistakes?
Another view
Not all young people fit this generalization.
More from Aristotle
Thus every action must be due to one or other of seven causes: chance, nature, compulsion, habit, reasoning, anger, or appetite.
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