Paris Prose - The second lost generation.

The 1920’s had F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, and Ernest Hemingway. 

The 2020’s will have ... well, maybe all of us.

There is little that young 

Americans love more than fleeing to Paris. In moments of 

desperation, in moments of celebration, or in moments of not 

knowing what else to do... 

Paris is always there.

The term “lost generation” originally described the generation in 

America that came to age during 

the first World War. Confused, 

hurt, and aimless, many of them 

pursued Paris. And while much 

has changed in the last 90 years 

since the original lost generation, 

the sentiment of today’s youth has 

remained much the same. In our 

coming of age, we just don’t know 

what to do with our new-found 

freedom in one of the freest societies in the world. 

It was the year 1964 when Ernest 

Hemingway published his memoirs from Paris in the 1920’s. He 

boldly named Paris “a moveable 

feast” - a resonating definition for 

young Americans of all generations. The point that Hemingway 

set out to make was that Paris, 

although temporary for many, 

is a permeating and transferable 

mindset - an idulgent way to perceive, think, and feel. 

In a land of abundance where 

technology and progress is championed and never challenged, it is 

easy to become exhausted. And 

while technological innovation 

and its resulting cultural changes 

are sweeping the globe with few 

exceptions, there is still solace to 

be found in Paris. 

Something about gargoyles and 

baguettes lights a certain dimming passion within us. 

Wandering aimlessly in the most romantic city in the world is an 

unforgettable memory for many. 

While the typical agenda for Paris 

may include strolling l’avenue des 

Champs-Élysées, climbing the 

stairs of la Tour Eiffel, and viewing the Mona Lisa dans le Louvre, 

those memories are trapped within the bubble of Paris. The best 

moments in Paris are the ones that 

you can take with you. 

The most lasting impressions 

from Paris are often discovered 

in becoming lost. In wandering aimlessly around the 7th arrondissement along the Seine, 

in stumbling into old bookshops 

or family-ran boutiques, and by 

biting into the crunchy shell of a 

maccaroon from a corner pâtisserie. When lost in Paris, fully immersed in Paris with no thoughts 

of anything else, you aquire a 

frame of mind that remains with 

you forever. One of peace, observance, and stimulation. 

The first lost generation was onto 

something when they temporarily left their American homes for 

Paris. They returned not only 

with tangible success, but with 

perspective which allowed continuous joy in life. The original lost 

generation set an example worth 

following. Our generation should 

strive to become lost, because in that, 

we may just find ourselves. 

**This story is from a magazine spread that I created for my Pub Design class.