It Is Good for the Young to Rejoice
The work emphasizes the importance of youth and the divine encouragement to embrace joy and happiness during this formative period. It interprets a biblical passage as a call for young individuals to rejoice in their vitality and freedom, asserting that God does not intend to punish them for enjoying the gifts of life. Instead, the text argues that happiness is essential for personal growth and development, likening the human soul to a plant that requires sunshine to flourish. The author warns against the dangers of harsh upbringing and the stifling of youthful spirits, which can lead to stunted growth and unhappiness in adulthood. Young people are urged to follow their hearts and make choices that align with their values, while also being reminded of the moral responsibility that comes with freedom. The concept of divine judgment is framed not as a threat but as a natural consequence of one's actions in life, reinforcing the idea that individuals shape their own destinies through their choices. Ultimately, the work advocates for a life of joy, integrity, and moral responsibility, encouraging youth to cultivate happiness while remaining mindful of their actions and their impact on future outcomes.
By Charles Kingsley · First published 1851 · Genre: Religious, Inspirational, Self Help · 3,100 words
First lines
"Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. " -- ECCLESIASTES xi. 9.
Some people fancy that in this text God forbids young people to enjoy themselves. They think that the words are spoken ironically, and with a sneer, as if to say,
What this Textopian page supports
It Is Good for the Young to Rejoice is listed on Textopian as a poem by Charles Kingsley, dated 1851 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Charles Kingsley
- Date: 1851 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious, Inspirational, Self Help, Non-Fiction, Young Adult
- Length: 3,100 words
- Structure: 1 section, 28 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for It Is Good for the Young to Rejoice by Charles Kingsley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
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- Where does Religious first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Religious — Considering the content and context of the book which puts emphasis on spiritual life and moral lessons, 'Religious' can be deemed as the most relevant genre.
- Inspirational — The author engages the reader with motivating and encouraging stories and anecdotes, putting it under the 'Inspirational' genre.
- Self Help — As the book encourages the youth to have a positive approach towards life, it can also be categorized under 'Self Help'.
- Non-Fiction — The book presents its themes in a realistic and straightforward manner without the use of any fictional elements, thus it falls under 'Non-Fiction'.
Tags
youth · joy · rejoicing · happiness · growth · education · nature · innocence · imagination · adventure · friendship · family