But thoughtless ingratitude is the armour of the young; without it, how would they ever get through life? The old wish the young well, but they wish them ill also: they would like to eat them up, and absorb their vitality, and remain immortal themselves. Without the protection of surliness and levity, all children would be crushed by the past - the past of others, loaded on their shoulders. Selfishness is their saving grace.
In Margaret Atwood's "The Blind Assassin," the author reflects on the nature of youth and the ways it interacts with the world. She suggests that young people often exhibit thoughtless ingratitude as a defense mechanism, allowing them to navigate life without the burden of past experiences. This insensitivity can be seen as a necessary armor, helping the young to avoid being overwhelmed by the weight of history or the expectations of others.
Atwood also touches on the complex relationship between generations, where older individuals harbor both wishes for the success of the youth and a desire to possess their energy and vitality. This duality highlights the struggle between the yearning for immortality and the acceptance of mortality. Ultimately, the author posits that the selfishness of youth serves as a protective layer, enabling them to push forward in the face of a societal past that could otherwise be stifling.
