Five years Quote by Ivan Turgenev
““Yes," he said, without looking at anyone; "it's a misfortune to live five years in the country like this, far from the mighty intellects! You turn into a fool directly. You may try not to forget what you've been taught, but -in a snap!- they'll prove all that's rubbish, and tell you that sensible men have nothing more to do with such foolishness, and that you, if you please, are an antiquated old fogey. What's to be done? Young people, of course, are cleverer than we are!””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Fathers and Sons, Ivan Turgenev, 1862
A character laments living among ignorant people, fearing intellectual decline, yet acknowledges youth’s growing cleverness, questioning how to act.
In simple terms: He feels trapped among the unlearned but sees youth as smarter.
Key Takeaway
Seek wisdom and mentor the young.
Themes
intellectualism
generational conflict
education
wisdom
Mood
thoughtful
critical
hopeful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic life
- political discourse
- family debates
- career mentorship
Key Concepts
philosophy
social critique
self‑reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- What can older generations teach today?
- How to balance tradition and innovation?
A Different Perspective
Youth may lack experience despite cleverness.
![“Every blue-stocking will remain a spinster as long as there are sensible men on the earth. [Fr., Toute fille lettree restera fille toute sa vie, quand il n'y aura que des hommes senses sur la terre.]” quote by Jean-Jacques Rousseau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d70/jean-jacques-rousseau-418_auras_every-blue-stocking-will-remain-a-spinst_1681727.jpg)
