Apathetic Quote by Paul Goodman
“Thwarted, or starved, in the important objects proper to young capacities, the boys and young men naturally find or invent deviant objects for themselves. ... Their choices and inventions are rarely charming, usually stupid, and often disastrous; we cannot expect average kids to deviate with genius. But on the other hand, the young men who conform to the dominant society become for the most part apathetic, disappointed, cynical and wasted.”
About This Quote
When youths lack appropriate challenges, they turn to harmful alternatives, yet strict conformity breeds apathy and cynicism.
In simple terms: Lack of proper outlets leads to harmful choices; forced conformity creates disengagement.
Key Takeaway
Provide meaningful challenges and avoid rigid conformity.
Themes
development
youth
conformity
creativity
risk
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
advisory
critical
When to use this quote
- education reform
- after programs
- community mentorship
- family guidance
Key Concepts
psychology
social pressure
identity formation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can society offer healthy challenges?
- What balance prevents both rebellion and apathy?
A Different Perspective
Not all deviant behavior is destructive; some can be constructive if guided.
![“The Sexual plight of these children [those adolescents experimenting sexually] is officially not mentioned. The revolutionary attack on hypocrisy by Ibsen, Freud, Ellis, Dreiser, did not succeed this far. Is it an eccentric opinion that an important part of the kids' restiveness in school from the…” quote by Paul Goodman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b5b/paul-goodman-7755_american-society_the-sexual-plight-of-these-children-thos_88140.jpg)
