The Challenge of Boyhood

   Last Exam Day as an Undergrad (2023)

In my observation, no phase of a Man’s life presents a greater challenge than Boyhood—the transition spanning teenage-hood and early adulthood. This is not merely an external societal struggle, but an intrinsic, personal war where the ultimate outcome hinges on one’s preparedness.

The boy child confronts existential trials. One among them is Indecision. It fosters lethargy and prevents necessary exertion against the prevailing current of life. And an indecisive lazy man cannot help himself.

Another is an Unwitting Disposition toward life, resulting in “trial and error” decisions. For instance, the boy or young man seeks to know which way his life shall go. This decision, easy for some, puzzles many boys; and if one is ignorant or misguided, boomerang regret follows. 

More alarmingly, full-blown Folly often prevails, wherein dangerous choices are rationalized as wisdom. The “wagon effect,” driven by mimicry of superficial media figures like Pell*r and his cohabitator, is a notable example here, currently strangulating this generation. Every boy wants a flashy car, a ticket into club houses and lounges, and the big babes. I once saw a big advert billboard of a clubbing event, along an expressway, that had uncensored nudity on it. It was both shameful and shameless of the hotel owners. But the foolish boy loves this and will go out of the normal way to acquire funds for the night life. When a fool learns from a fool, folly will soon become a culture. 

Furthermore, the young man grapples with raging emotions. Excessive Exuberance and Untamed Lust that threaten to erode personal dignity and ruin the pursuit of virtuous relationships. As a natural economist of his time and talent, his trajectory is frequently derailed by toxic associations, if his friendship decisions are weak. A foe masked in “friendly robes” will always prove fatal.

Boyhood is a crucible. It necessitates bidding farewell to childhood ease, demanding the acceptance of pain and an unrelenting “art of war” to secure a prosperous future. The fight for destiny, in a world of complex distractions, truly requires anchoring.

I counsel the youth of today to seek Divine Help – by embracing God – recognizing the Spirit of God as the supreme Mentor of a most successful and fulfilling life. This, coupled with positive earthly guidance, community support, and godly boy-centred initiatives will steer the ship from probable ruin to a safe harbor.

May the boy child succeed in his arduous journey.


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