Bearable Quote by Maya Angelou
“Until recently each generation found it more expedient to plead guilty to the charge of being young and ignorant, easier to take the punishment meted out by the older generation (which had itself confessed to the same crime short years before). The command to grow up at once was more bearable than the faceless horror of wavering purpose, which was youth.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Commencement Address, 1993
Youth often blames age for ignorance, but growth requires confronting purpose beyond generational guilt.
In simple terms: Youth avoids blame, seeks purpose.
Key Takeaway
Embrace responsibility over excuses.
Themes
youth
responsibility
purpose
generational conflict
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- college graduation
- career start
- family discussions
Key Concepts
sociology
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What purpose drives you beyond age?
- How can you break generational patterns?
A Different Perspective
Blame can hinder self‑growth.
![“Well, it seems like a miracle to be able to look forward-to-to see all the minutes in front of one come hopping along with something marvellous in them, instead of just[Pg 295] saying, Well, that one didn't actually hurt and the next may be quite bearable if only something beastly doesn't come…” quote by Dorothy L. Sayers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fc4/dorothy-l-sayers-738_able_well-it-seems-like-a-miracle-to-be-able_244103.jpg)