Good ideas come with a heavy burden. Which is why so few people have them. So few people can handle it. - Hugh MacLeod

Anyone can be an idealist. Anyone can be a cynic. The hard part lies somewhere in the middle.

It's good to be young and full of dreams. Dreams of one day doing something 'insanely great.' Dreams of love, beauty, achievement, and contribution. But understand they have a life of their own, and they're not very good at following instructions. Love them, revere them, nurture them, respect them, but don't ever become a slave to them. Otherwise you'll kill them off prematurely, before they get the chance to come true.

If you accept the pain, it cannot hurt you.