Youthful Despair

As we enter Holy Week, we are confronted with a world steeped in sin, strife, conflict, and mortality. There exists a peculiar fascination among some with societal decline, as if they derive satisfaction from witnessing civilization’s unraveling. This attraction to darkness may reflect their inner turmoil, a desire to see others share in their suffering. Alternatively, it could stem from a profound hopelessness, a belief that life lacks purpose, leading them to wish for its end. The allure of dystopian futures is, indeed, a curious phenomenon.

Alexander Hamilton once yearned for war as a means to elevate his status, a reflection of youthful ambition for decisive action. Such a desire—to distinguish oneself and ascend the social hierarchy—underlies some of the grim visions of the future propagated by certain ideological circles. Their aim is not war itself but a reconfiguration of power, placing authority in the hands of those who affirm their values. For years, such individuals have held sway, yet their influence appears to be waning.

In the absence of hope, many embrace visions of decline. This despair is characteristic of a faltering empire, signaling the end of an era. The younger generation, burdened by weariness, falters under the weight of their circumstances. They lack hope for a brighter future and see no clear path out of life’s monotony. In a word, they are trapped, uncertain of how to proceed.

We witnessed a similar sentiment during the Arab Spring, where upheaval was celebrated as a longed-for revolution, a societal reset. The assassination of a prominent corporate executive, such as the CEO of United Health, evokes a comparable yearning for disruption. There is a desire for a cultural transformation, though its precise nature remains elusive.

Yet, the youth find themselves dominated by the very elites whose rhetoric they echo. Unlike the 1960s, when generational values clashed overtly, today’s power structures co-opt the language of the young, redirecting their frustration toward populist movements. This inversion is a cunning strategy, mitigating the potential for significant rebellion.

The reality remains that the older generation holds the wealth, power, and authority, while the young are consistently marginalized. They are the ones left with little hope, ensnared by the system. However, a quiet rebellion is emerging—one rooted in hope and faith. Many are beginning to see through the falsehoods propagated by those in power. The promises of governmental provision, once alluring, now appear untenable in light of fiscal realities. The youth seek a new source of hope, a renewed perspective. Thankfully, they are beginning to find it, turning toward faith as a foundation for a more optimistic future.