Advantages and Disadvantages of Being Young

• Introduction — What is youth?
• Advantages of Youth
Mentally and physically at its peak and more adaptable
No prejudice and optimistic
Forever enthusiastic and daring.
• Disadvantages of youth
Too much expected of them by parents and peer groups
Too optimistic, Heart rules over mind
Lacks experience and are hence misguided.
• Conclusion — Advantages of far outweigh Disadvantages.

"His best companion, innocence and health. And his best riches ignorance and wealth. How happy he who crowns in shades like these. A youth of labour with an age of ease," said Oliver Goldsmith.

This but vividly sums up what youth is all about. It is indeed sad, that this stage in our lives comes but only once, for what precedes it is childhood, which is spent in play and fun and what follows is old age and misery.

Thus in a sense, this is the prime of our lives. Youth is true "age of ease" for they are mentally and physically in the pink of health. Their minds are fresh and hence more receptive to new ideas and thoughts. Physically too they have matured with all faculty functioning optimally.

It is, therefore, the right age, for them to choose their future career, by selecting a specific course of study. This is why we find most competitive examinations targeting youth. Their physical attributes and adaptability to their new environment, making them ideal for recruitment to the defence services.

The innocence and the ignorance are but a blessing, for they suffer from no prejudice or doubts and thus their approach to life is positive and optimistic. This makes them highly enthusiastic and daring.

Thus in the time of an emergency, their enthusiasm can carry the day for them. The youth of today are however not a happy lot, for, despite their endowments, their peers and parents expect too much from them.

This makes them stretch beyond their capacity, which at times leads to psychological disturbance and frustration. They have at times also been accused of using their heart, rather than brains, to decide on important matters concerning them.

This makes them vulnerable to get easily misguided. Their inexperience and lack of worldly wisdom make them a novice when it comes to performing especially demanding work that calls for specialization.

Notwithstanding these disadvantages, one still longs for one's youth to come back, for the wealth of youth is priceless indeed. We are reminded of William Shakespeare when he said: "All the world a stage, And all men and women mere players:

They have their exit and entrances: And one man in his time plays many parts." It is unfortunate, however, that in this play of life the part of youth has but no retake. We must, therefore, live the part truly and sincerely.