In "The Golden Compass," the Librarian reflects on the roles of different generations. He believes that older individuals have a responsibility to care for and worry about the younger ones, guiding them through life's complexities. This sense of duty drives their anxieties as they watch over the youth.

Conversely, the young are encouraged to disregard the concerns of their elders, suggesting a natural generational tension. This dynamic highlights the contrasting perspectives between age groups, where each has its own role to play in the journey of life, ultimately leading to moments of reflection and separation as they acknowledge their differences.