"His commitment to the Glorious Cause, as it was called, was total. And if his youth was obvious, the Glorious Cause was to a large degree a young man's cause. The commander in chief of the army, George Washington, was himself only forty-three. John Hancock, the President of the Continental Congress, was thirty-nine, John Adams, forty, Thomas Jefferson, thirty-two, younger even than the young Rhode Island general (Nathaniel Greene). In such times many were being cast in roles seemingly beyond their experience or capacities..."
Chapter Two: Rabble In Arms, an excerpt from 1776 by David McCullough
The power of youth is endless. The energy of youth is boundless. The potential of youth is immeasurable. I have worked with young athletes for over a decade and I have seen their potential, their energy and their power first hand. I believe in these young people. I believe they can do incredible things if and when they set their minds to it. I believe they will be able to rise to the occasion when their time arrives. I believe they will be able to solve the "big" problems. I believe they will pick up the balls we have dropped, clean up the messes we have made and ultimately save us from ourselves.
Have at it, kids!
5 comments:
Great blog, Mike.
It reminds me of my grandfather, who pooh-poohed the idea of using chemicals to "improve" crops. Looks like we've spiraled back to being at one with nature, with perhaps a few improvements to show for our trip.
Great blog, Mike.
It reminds me of my grandfather, who pooh-poohed the idea of using chemicals to "improve" crops. Looks like we've spiraled back to being at one with nature, with perhaps a few improvements to show for our trip.
You are right with water, air, land, and population problems -- today's youth may be challenged as much or more than the young men mentioned in your post, but I love your optimism.
The young are not as tired and have more energy. AND they often are more willing to think outside the box...
Thanks for sharing, Mike. I had no idea about the ages of our forefathers when the revolution was fought.
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