--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: That's what is was to be young - to be…" description: "\"That's what is was to be young - to be enthusiastic rather than envious about the good work other people could do.\" — Kurt Vonnegut" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db0/kurt-vonnegut-41_age_that-s-what-is-was-to-be-young-to-be-ent_1843509.jpg" --- # That's what is was to be young - to be enthusiastic rather… ![“That's what is was to be young - to be enthusiastic rather than envious about the good work other people could do.” quote by Kurt Vonnegut](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db0/kurt-vonnegut-41_age_that-s-what-is-was-to-be-young-to-be-ent_1843509.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db0/kurt-vonnegut-41_age_that-s-what-is-was-to-be-young-to-be-ent_1843509.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db0/kurt-vonnegut-41_age_that-s-what-is-was-to-be-young-to-be-ent_1843509.jpg) > “That's what is was to be young - to be enthusiastic rather than envious about the good work other people could do.” [Kurt Vonnegut](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kurt-vonnegut/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Youth should be marked by excitement and drive, not jealousy of others' achievements. **In simple terms:** Be excited, not jealous. Key Takeaway Cultivate enthusiasm over envy. Themes youth enthusiasm envy growth Mood optimistic reflective Type inspirational philosophical When to use this quote - starting a new job - joining a team - learning a skill Key Concepts psychology motivation social comparison Questions to Reflect On - How can you turn admiration into personal motivation? - What habits foster genuine enthusiasm? A Different Perspective Envy can still arise despite effort. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Age](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/age/) [Enthusiasm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enthusiasm/) [Enthusiastic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enthusiastic/) [Envy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/envy/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Youth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/youth/) ## Related quotes > [It is much easier to learn another language when you are young, enthusiastic and unembarrassed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-jacques/it-is-much-easier-to-learn-another-language-when-you-are-young/) [Martin Jacques](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-jacques/) > [“There are going to be times in our lives when someone else gets an unexpected blessing or receives some special recognition. 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