The sentimental want to be thrilled by everything.
Ironic and jittery, we are puzzled by the old heroes with their fighting, boasting, and cocksure lovemaking.
Guilt agonizes over trifles, ignores habitual wrongdoing.
A: Everything changes. B: But not enough.
Being cultured is the least expensive form of respectability.
Neat trick: to be roused to ambition and reconciled to one's mediocrity at the same time.