Believe Quote by Erica Jong
“Young people never believe in the possibility of their own deaths. That's one reason old men can send them to war.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Age of War, 1995
Youth often deny their mortality, making them susceptible to being sent into conflict by older generations.
In simple terms: Young people ignore death, so elders can send them to war.
Key Takeaway
Encourage awareness of mortality to foster critical thinking.
Themes
youth
mortality
war
generational conflict
Mood
critical
somber
Type
social commentary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- military recruitment
- education curricula
- media narratives
- family discussions
Key Concepts
existentialism
political manipulation
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do young people deny death?
- How can societies prevent manipulation of the young?
A Different Perspective
Denial may also protect mental health; not all youth are naive.
