This fighting-shy of every obligation partly explains the…
“This fighting-shy of every obligation partly explains the phenomenon, half ridiculous, half disgraceful, Of the setting-up in our days of the platform of "youth" as youth. ... In comic fashion people call themselves "young," because they have heard that youth has more rights than obligations, since it can put off the fulfilment of these latter to the Greek Kalends of maturity. ...[T]he astounding thing at present is that these take it as an effective right precisely in order to claim for themselves all those other rights which only belong to the man who has already done something.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage critiques modern youth culture that claims rights without responsibilities, treating youth as a platform for entitlement rather than duty.
In simple terms: Young people claim rights without duties, leading to absurdity.
Key Takeaway
Balance rights with responsibilities.
Themes
youth
rights
responsibility
society
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- education policy
- workplace expectations
- family dynamics
- political discourse
Key Concepts
existentialism
social critique
generational conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile entitlement and obligation?
- What responsibilities should accompany modern freedoms?
A Different Perspective
Rights without duties can erode social order.