The quote suggests that when people are young, they often feel invincible and believe that life will always be smooth sailing without any obstacles ahead. This sense of confidence stems from a lack of experience with challenges and problems, making it easy to overlook potential difficulties in the future.
At a deeper level, this statement highlights how our perceptions of risk and reality change as we age. Young people tend to underestimate the unpredictability of life and overestimate their resilience or luck in avoiding trouble. As one gains more life experiences, they often become more cautious and aware of the various pitfalls that can occur, leading to a shift from optimism to realism. This transition can be both enlightening and sobering as it forces individuals to face the uncertainties of life head-on.
Ian Gillan is a renowned British musician best known for being the lead singer of Deep Purple, one of rock music's most enduring bands. His insights into the nature of youth and maturity reflect his own experiences navigating through life’s challenges as a public figure and artist over several decades.