Stáří je mládím světa

Michal Janata (born 1952) In his book of essays, Old Age is the Youth of the World, he explores the title theme from a broad historical perspective of intellectual and cultural contexts and provides a penetrating analysis of the systemic disadvantages to which members of the "excluded generation" are increasingly exposed in our current society, which worships eternal youth and relentless performance. This deeply erudite yet readable text, whose sarcastic effect is underscored by the contributions of two members of the younger generation, illustrator Anežka Hájková (born 1997) and graphic designer Josefa Karlíková (born 1995), exposes the various forms of ostracism and deliberate abuse of seniors, while drawing attention to the alarming level of general indifference that allows these phenomena to occur. Faced with signs of advancing dehumanization, Janata does not succumb to bitter condemnation or maudlin sentimentality, but soberly and often entertainingly considers the possibilities and opportunities that life's finale, which sooner or later awaits each of us, offers even under these conditions.