New Era

In many ways, life has begun anew recently for me. A "new era" as they say.

Use of the phrase "new era" implies a certain romantic view of life... a view that life isn't an objective, rational course with causes and effects but, rather, an emotional and moving journey where eras begin and end, where signs are ours to discover, and where "all things happen for a reason."

What is the truth, though? What should our world view be? As we age, is it natural for idealism to fade, and give way to a more functional existence, only to be resuscitated in one's golden years?

Direct answers (and not implicit, read-between-the-lines signals) would be appreciated, sir.