Disenchantment Quote by Irving Kristol
“Joining a radical movement when one is young is very much like falling in love when one is young. The girl may turn out to be rotten, but the the experience of love is so valuable it can never be entirely undone by the ultimate disenchantment.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Politics of the American Dream, Irving Kristol, 1978
Youthful idealism can feel like love, intense and transformative, even if the cause later disappoints.
In simple terms: Young activism feels like love, valuable even if later disillusioning.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the lessons, not just the cause.
Themes
idealism
politics
disillusionment
learning
growth
Mood
reflective
nostalgic
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- college activism
- first political involvement
- social movements
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
radicalism
emotional development
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you distinguish genuine conviction from youthful impulse?
- Can love and politics share the same emotional risks?
A Different Perspective
The comparison may oversimplify complex political motivations.
![“[Conservatism:] Our revolutionary message... is that a self-disciplined people can create a political community in which an ordered liberty will promote both economic prosperity and political participation.” quote by Irving Kristol](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/90e/irving-kristol-14064_community_conservatism-our-revolutionary-message-i_148742.jpg)
