"If youth knew; if age could"

This quote by Sigmund Freud talks to the concept that there is a disconnect between the generations. Youth and age have various point of views and experiences, and this can cause an absence of understanding between them. Freud suggests that if youth understood what age knows, and if age might understand what youth understands, then there would be a higher understanding in between the generations. This could lead to a more harmonious relationship between the generations, and a better understanding of each other's point of views.

The quote also talks to the idea that knowledge and experience are gotten over time. Youth may have enthusiasm and energy, however they do not have the knowledge and experience that age brings. Age might have the wisdom and experience, however they do not have the interest and energy of youth. Freud recommends that if these 2 perspectives could be combined, then it would be advantageous for both generations.

Eventually, this quote talks to the concept that there is a disconnect in between the generations, which this disconnect can be bridged if both generations can understand each other's viewpoints. It is a pointer that we should aim to bridge the gap between the generations, and to gain from each other in order to produce a much better understanding in between them.