In John Steinbeck's "East of Eden," the author explores the theme of neglected youth and the harsh realities they face as they grow older. The quote reflects how young individuals are provided for until they reach a certain age, only to be abandoned once they can no longer be seen as valuable. This highlights a cycle of care that ultimately concludes with isolation and rejection, a stark reminder of society's tendency to discard those who no longer fit its expectations.

The second part of the quote underscores the naiveté of youth, suggesting that the young do not foresee the inevitability of aging and the accompanying hardships. They live in a state of hope and possibility, blissfully unaware of the fate that awaits them. Steinbeck's work poignantly captures this disconnect between youthful innocence and the stark truth of life's progression, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding toward those who will soon face similar challenges.