I have been observing a particular trend in the well read, bright young people that I come into contact with. It is a mixture of large doses of cynicism combined with idealism.What disturbs me is that their idealism is not fired by optimism to change what they perceive as wrong but a defeatist and negative approach to Life. They don’t believe that they can actually make a difference at an individual level while still being a part of the system. (Oh, that would be "belonging" a definite 'nono')They believe that the solution lies in completely destroying the old order . "Okay and replace it with what? "

" well, Just leave things be. They will work out alright"!!! So that is our heroes in waiting , the rebels in search of a cause!

It is almost as though they feel cheated at not having been around during the momentous turning points in the history of mankind so they want to create one in their own life time. They completely distance themselves from the realities of today and go about in an alienation induced angst. They don’t believe in being sucked by the mundane struggle for existence that is for lesser mortals. They want to be martyrs, soldiers of a new order! Until that happens, it does not matter that they do not have the qualifications for a normal job. It does not matter that they cause a lot of misery to themselves and those that love them. "what difference does it make?" they keep asking.

It seems to me that we are previleged to live in this day and time when mankind has made such strides in all areas of human endeavour - arts, science and technology. True, we seem a little low on the human side and there seems to be a declining trend and this is exactly where if one wants to make a difference to the world , each one of us can do it in our own humble way without waiting for a major revolution; by being in it and yet be out of it -by just standing up for what is right, by not yielding to pressure in our simple dealings in day to day life. By spreading smiles , compassion and care around.

Or like Emily Dickenson puts is:

If I can stop one heart from breaking,

I shall not live in vain;

If I can ease one life the aching,

Or cool one pain,

Or help one fainting robin

Unto his nest again,

I shall not live in vain.