Too young to be a cynic
Posted Jul 4, 12:29 PM
I’ve found myself wondering lately what my beliefs are – what values I represent which distinguish me from anyone else. I’ve also been wondering whether we choose our beliefs – or whether the ones we really live by – chose us. Perhaps this introspection is an age thing. I’ve asked three different people – who’ve known me for 20 years – about my distinguishing characteristics. I must say the response was disappointing. One of them even suggested that the beliefs I profess depend on the latest book or film that impressed me.I think she was referring to the conversation I had with her son some time ago. He was slagging street beggars on telly as chancers – I thought 14 was too young to be a cynic. I urged him to respect qualities like compassion, honour and courage because they are positive – life enhancing. His parents looked at me a bit funny – I had tears in my eyes. I got the speech from Robert Duvall in ‘Secondhand Lions’. Great film.My wee cousin, who’s got a lot of grief in her life just now, phones for a moan. When she’s got it all out, she asks me if life gets any easier with age. “Yes”, I reply – “as you become clearer who you are – what you want – what you believe – you don’t let things bother you so much.” My reply impresses her. I got it from Bill Murray in ‘Lost in Translation’. Great film.
Source-Senscot