"الشباب شيء رائع. يا لها من جريمة أن نضيعه على الأطفال."

The idea here is both playful and profound. It suggests that youth, with all its vigor, energy, and potential, is often underappreciated by those who possess it—namely, children. The irony lies in the notion that such a precious gift, when given to those too young to fully understand or value it, seems almost wasted. It’s like giving the best tools to someone who doesn't know how to use them yet.

Historically, this quote has been attributed to George Bernard Shaw, an Irish playwright and critic, known for his sharp wit and insightful commentary on society. Shaw often used humor to make deeper points about human nature and societal norms. This quote reflects his tendency to challenge our assumptions and make us think differently about the stages of life and the advantages each holds.

Imagine this: you're in your early thirties, reminiscing with a friend about your teenage years. You laugh about how you stayed up all night without feeling like a zombie the next day, or how you could eat an entire pizza without gaining a pound. You both shake your heads, wondering why you didn't take better advantage of all that youthful energy and resilience. This is a clear, relatable example of the quote in action. As teens, most of us didn’t realize how good we had it. We were too busy wanting to grow up quickly.

So, how can we apply this wisdom? Start by encouraging young people to savor their youth, to push themselves, and to explore their potential fully. If you’re young, take risks, try new things, learn voraciously. The time to build skills and experiences is now, before the responsibilities of adulthood fully take hold. And if you're older, share your perspective with the younger generation. Help them see what an incredible opportunity they have.

Think about a young athlete, say, a high school soccer player. She’s got raw talent and coaches telling her she has potential. But she’s also distracted by social media, school drama, and the general chaos of being a teenager. Now, imagine she’s got a mentor who’s been through it all—maybe an ex-professional player. This mentor can help her see the bigger picture, appreciate the unique position she's in, and push her to make the most of her youthful energy and abilities.

This advice isn't just for kids, though. Even as adults, we often fail to appreciate what we have until it’s gone. Think about how many people look back and wish they had traveled more, taken different career risks, or just enjoyed the freedom of having fewer responsibilities. It’s a reminder to live in the moment and make the most of our current stage of life, whatever that may be.

So next time you catch yourself or a young person you know taking their youth for granted, remember Shaw’s playful yet poignant words. It’s a nudge to value the present and seize the day—because youth, much like time, waits for no one. And wouldn’t it be a crime to let it slip through your fingers without truly experiencing it?