When I was young there was no respect for the young, and now that I am old there is no respect for the old. I missed out coming and going.
Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Notes the lack of respect for youth and old age, leaving a gap in dignity.
- In plain terms
- Respect is often missing for both the young and the old.
- What can you take from it?
- Demand respect at every stage of life.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do you feel respected?
- Who deserves respect?
Another view
It generalizes societal attitudes without nuance.
More from Joseph Priestley
What I have known with respect to myself, has tended much to lessen both my admiration, and my contempt, of others.
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