Youths and Scholars

"The youth did not know where the Tree of Life stood, but he set out, and would have gone on for ever, as long as his legs would carry him, though he had no hope of finding it." --From "The White Snake"

"The inkeeper replied, 'The princess is sick, and the king says any man who saves her from death may marry her.' And so the scholar went forth, to cure the disease." --From "Godfather Death"

When a fairy tale refers to a youth, it usually means a young adventurer. A youth is not simply a teenager; instead, a youth desires to seek their fortune, go on a daring quest, travel the world, or some other adventurous task.

The problem is, they usually don't have much education, making some youths be also categorized as "simpletons."

When a fairy tale refers to a scholar, it usually means a seeker of truth and knowledge. A scholar is not simply a schoolboy; instead, a scholar desires to learn all they can about everything they can. They make in their responsibility and life's work to discover things about their world.

The problem is, they often don't do anything with what they learn, making them seem useless and pompous.

Let us be youths and scholars. Seek learning and knowledge, but then use that knowledge. A useless scholar is irritating. A brainless youth is ridiculous. So don't be either! I challenge you to be a useful scholar and a learned youth.

Have a Smiley Day!