They were young; time hadn't yet rubbed at them, polishing their differences and sharpening their opinions...
This quote beautifully captures the essence of youth as a period of untainted innocence and unformed perspectives. When individuals are young, their beliefs and opinions are often pure and less influenced by the complexities and compromises of adult life. The metaphor of time rubbing at them suggests that as people age, experiences, challenges, and societal expectations gradually shape and sometimes distort their original selves. Their differences are 'polished,' which can imply that initial individuality is often refined or even diminished through these life processes, bringing about a more homogeneous societal outlook or creating a shared sense of understanding. Conversely, their opinions are 'sharpened,' perhaps indicating that with time, opinions become more defined, more entrenched, and possibly more rigid. This duality highlights how development through time can both refine and entrench personal identities and beliefs. There's an inherent nostalgia in this observation, as it suggests a longing for the simplicity and authenticity of youth before life's complexities leave their marks. The quote underscores the value of preserving one's original perspective and warns of the altering influence of time—something many can relate to as they look back on their own journeys. It reminds us that youth represents a fleeting window of uncorrupted perception, a phase worth reflecting on and, perhaps, protecting within ourselves, no matter how old we become.
