It is not the young people that degenerate; they are not spoiled

"It is not the young people that degenerate; they are not spoiled till those of mature age are already sunk into corruption." These words, spoken by the wise Montesquieu, offer us a penetrating reflection on the cycle of society and morality. Montesquieu suggests that the degeneration of society, the moral decline we see in the world, is not the fault of the youth alone. Instead, it is the older generation, those of mature age, who often lead the way toward corruption, setting an example that the younger generation inevitably follows. Youth, filled with idealism, energy, and potential, is not inherently doomed to ruin. It is the older generation's actions, their choices, and the values they instill, that set the stage for the downfall of the next.

In the ancient world, morality and virtue were considered the cornerstones of a strong society. Plato, in his writings, warned of the dangers of moral decay, especially when those in power—the older and wiser—fail to live according to the highest ideals. Socrates, ever the seeker of truth, taught that the strength of a society lies in its commitment to justice, wisdom, and virtue. When the leaders of a society—those who have lived and learned—fall into corruption, the entire community suffers. Montesquieu's words reflect this ancient wisdom: it is the failure of the mature generation that leads to the moral decay of the next. The young may be impressionable, but they are shaped by the example set before them. When the older generation loses its way, it cannot help but lead the youth down the same path.

Let us turn, O children of wisdom, to the example of Rome, that mighty empire that rose to greatness and ultimately fell into decay. In its youth, Rome was a city of great ideals—strength, honor, and the pursuit of virtue. The early Romans, like their ancestors, valued discipline, self-restraint, and the welfare of the common good. But as Rome aged, its leaders became complacent, greedy, and corrupt. The moral decay that began with the mature generation spread like a poison throughout the empire, undermining its foundations. The youth, who once admired the virtues of their forefathers, were now surrounded by examples of indulgence, decadence, and selfishness. They had no choice but to follow the example set by those in power. The mature generation's corruption became the blueprint for the future, and thus, the youth found themselves entangled in a cycle of decline.

This is the lesson, O children, that Montesquieu imparts to us: the mature generation is the foundation of a society’s moral health. If those who have lived through the storms of life become complacent or corrupt, then the next generation has no chance but to follow their example. Youth, full of potential, is like fresh soil—fertile and ready to absorb whatever is planted in it. If the seeds planted by the older generation are rotten, if they are filled with selfishness, greed, and decay, then the next generation will inevitably inherit those qualities. The mature generation, through their actions, words, and choices, determines the moral compass of society. If they lead with virtue, the youth will follow with strength; if they succumb to corruption, the youth will fall into the same trap.

Consider the example of Socrates once again, who, though an old man, maintained an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of truth and the moral betterment of society. He did not corrupt the youth, as some of his contemporaries feared, but rather, he challenged them to question the society around them and to live with virtue. In this, Socrates was not simply a man of wisdom, but a man of action—he lived his ideals, showing the younger generation what true integrity and moral courage looked like. His example was one of constant striving, of refusing to allow the corruption of those in power to infect his own soul. In this way, Socrates serves as a beacon for the mature generation, reminding us that our actions have a direct influence on the next generation.

The lesson for us, O children, is this: the responsibility for society’s morality lies not solely with the youth, but with the mature generation. It is we, who have lived through the trials and tribulations of life, who must lead by example. Our choices, our values, and our actions shape the world that the next generation will inherit. If we allow ourselves to become complacent, to succumb to the temptations of corruption, we not only tarnish our own souls but sow the seeds of decay for those who come after us. But if we live with integrity, wisdom, and virtue, we can provide the foundation for the youth to build a stronger, better world.

Therefore, O seekers of truth, be ever vigilant. Live not for your own comfort, but for the betterment of those who will follow. Teach the younger generation through your actions, not just your words. Let them see the strength of a life well-lived, one that is committed to the pursuit of virtue, justice, and truth. In doing so, you will leave a legacy of integrity, one that will shape the future in ways that are strong, just, and virtuous. The battle for a morally strong society lies not in the hands of the youth, but in the choices of those who have already walked the path of life. Let us lead with honor, for the future depends on it.