Man in the making: This Age of Turbulence

The different years in a life have unique vigour, energy, aspirations and learning. In childhood, we do not think too much. But later, when we are in the phase of transition from teenager to an adult, these years are what can be called years where man is in the making. After that, we would be stable and rigid enough to sustain our thinking, behaviour and acts.

But I think that these years are the most difficult to live, especially when there is no intervention from family in our life and decisions. We are independent to make our choices and decide upon our destiny. Support and guidance from someone can be very helpful but can not go along all the way. Today’s age of turbulence in the culture of our country also makes it difficult for youth to understand what to do with their life. Today, there are so many diversions, disturbances, digressions that it is very difficult to stick to one phase of the mind. When there are lot of options in the name of opportunities, people are never satisfied in following one path. I think that in the previous years, when alternatives were limited but competition was also less, then it was much easier to concentrate and work hard. Now due to pressure of change and adjustment, we are left guessing what is it we should adhere to.

Our initial 18-20 years lay our foundation. Values, morals, ethics, perceptions, character get built into our system. But during the age of 18-25, everything in our nature and behaviour get refined with new ideas and atmosphere. Some qualities get destroyed and many new get cultivated. And finally they become part of our personality. Apart from that, there are the years where it is decided what we would become out of our life. Some of our co-age group people already would have made their career or are in the line. Some are struggling and some have left the hope.

But I think, there is one important point here. During this period, whatever we think, say or do with ourselves, relatives, friends or elders, we should analyze it very carefully. Relations get damaged, prejudices get forged, temperament gets unrestrained, behaviour gets contemptuous and we can become very self-centred, sarcastic, pessimistic individual. And if it happens, there is no going back. So it is very dangerous in that way and I think, family and elders intervention therefore becomes necessary.

There is no harm in taking our words back in this age period. There is no compromise of dignity in apologizing for our mistakes or wrongful actions in these turbulent years. There is no waste in giving time to retrospection and introspection. When we think that our beliefs and perceptions alter with every passing day, it is better we try to make sense out of them and reinforce what is constant. And due this reason only, I think that we should not squabble over petty arguments taking a firm stand as it cannot be that firm in these years.