There is nothing so pitiful as a young cynic because he has gone from knowing nothing to believing nothing.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Young cynics are sad because they move from ignorance to a lack of belief in anything.
- In plain terms
- It is sad when young people stop believing in anything.
- What can you take from it?
- Maintain hope even when learning hard truths.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do young people become cynical?
- How can we preserve hope while teaching truth?
Another view
Cynicism can sometimes be a protective mechanism.
More from Maya Angelou
People will forget what you said People will forget what you did But people will never forget how you made them feel.
Permalink to quote #4 I am capable of what every other human is capable of. This is one of the great lessons of war and life.
Permalink to quote #6 Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and unde…
Permalink to quote #3
Related quotes
Young people are very cynical now, you know? Very cynical! They've been taught cynicism, they've been - they've been bred cynicism. So, I think it's important …
Tom PettyTom Petty quote #1 Both now and for always, I intend to hold fast to my belief in the hidden strength of the human spirit.
Andrei SakharovAndrei Sakharov quote #1 I was raised on the good book Jesus Till I read between the lines Now I don't believe I ever wanna see the morning
Laura NyroLaura Nyro quote #4