The-Conquest-of-Happiness-by-Bertrand-Russell

consider that the persecution of youthful talent
cannot do much harm. But there is no ground
whatever for accepting this doctrine. It is like the
theory that murder will out. Obviously all the
murders we know of have been discovered, but
who knows how many there may be which have
never been heard of? In like manner all the men of
genius that we have ever heard of have triumphed
over adverse circumstances, but that is no reason
for supposing that there were not innumerable
others who succumbed in youth. Moreover, it is not
a question only of genius, but also of talent, which
is just as necessary to the community. And it is not
only a question of emerging somehow; but also of
emerging unembittered and with unimpaired
energy. For all these reasons the way of youth
should not be made too hard.
While it is desirable that the old should treat with
respect the wishes of the young, it is not desirable
that the young should treat with respect the wishes
of the old. The reason is simple, namely that in
either case it is the lives of the young that are