Young people who pretend to be wise to the ways of the world are mostly just cynics. Cynicism masquerades as wisdom, but it is the farthest thing from it. Because cynics don't learn anything. Because cynicism is a self-imposed blindness, a rejection of the world because we are afraid it will hurt us or disappoint us. Cynics always say no. But saying "yes" begins things. Saying "yes" is how things grow. Saying "yes" leads to knowledge. "Yes" is for young people. So for as long as you have the strength to, say "yes."
I found this a few days ago and the thought the picture was beautiful and the words even more so.
It just goes to show that some of the wisest words uttered in the world today are said by those who often hide their wisdom behind the facade of the clown.
Insightful words. I love Stephen Colbert.
ReplyDeleteBtw, the background art is by Leonid Afremov. He's on Facebook if anyone's interested.
Gryphen, here is the image by itself, and also the original artist's work:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.deviantart.com/morelikethis/333010456
http://images.sodahead.com/profiles/0/0/3/5/7/1/4/7/7/lenoid-99725561831.jpeg
Beautiful! I was just going to ask about the painting, but Anon. 5:47 had it right there for me. Thanks! I went to Facebook immediately to find him.
ReplyDeleteNice sentiment, and a very lovely picture. Thanks, Gryphen.
ReplyDeleteThat's really deep, and so very true. Thanks for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteOk, to play a little devil's advocate, I'll just say that in a world gone mad over religion, mythology, ignorance, scammers, fraud, and rife with narcissists, a healthy dose of cynicism can be useful at times.
ReplyDeleteIt's helpful when appraising people's character, and is often useful in many other areas.
Just don't get caught up in it, and lose a child's appreciation of the wonder of the universe and our existence here as specks of dust in a vast universe
MY cynicism is a learned response......any other take is bobbleheaded.....IMO....
ReplyDeleteIck - way too Kinkaid Koolaid.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I AM a cynic. Cynics are much better equipped to become critical thinkers.
The wisdom of Mr. Colbert has been expressed by many before (and in my view, could stand further repetition).
ReplyDeleteA famous version of the same view contains the following:
A little Learning is a dang'rous Thing;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian Spring:
There shallow Draughts intoxicate the Brain,
And drinking largely sobers us again.
the poem, An Essay on Criticism, was written by Alexander Pope, like Mr. Colbert, A Catholic.