The Dreams of Youth

"I've always wanted to sail to the south seas, but I can't afford it." What these men can't afford is not to go. They are enmeshed in the cancerous discipline of "security." And in the worship of security we fling our lives beneath the wheels of routine - and before we know it our lives are gone.

What does a man need - really need? A few pounds of food each day, heat and shelter, six feet to lie down in - and some form of working activity that will yield a sense of accomplishment. That's all - in the material sense, and we know it. But we are brainwashed by our economic system until we end up in a tomb beneath a pyramid of time payments, mortgages, preposterous gadgetry, playthings that divert our attention for the sheer idiocy of the charade.

The years thunder by, The dreams of youth grow dim where they lie caked in dust on the shelves of patience. Before we know it, the tomb is sealed.

Where, then, lies the answer? In choice. Which shall it be: bankruptcy of purse or bankruptcy of life?

― Sterling Hayden, 1963

I wonder what Sterling would think of all the preposterous gadgetry we have today ! Written down in his book Wanderer some 55 years ago; his quote seems more relevant now than ever.

My son takes in the view at Bow Lake in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. Just 30 minutes down the road crowds of people are fighting each other with their selfie sticks for a spot on the shores of Lake Louise.

Never stop trying to view life though the eyes of a child.

Robert Downie
Love Life, Love Photography

_{All images in this post were taken by and remain the Copyright of Robert Downie - http://www.robertdowniephotography.com}