The two men have been very intimate and reliable friends throughout their lives.

For most of their lives, the two men had shared confidences, swapped advice and supported each other’s ambitions. The dozens of letters that Justice Blackmun saved document a relationship of sometimes startling intimacy.

Scarce jobs, fewer promotions, soaring costs for shelter and other necessities — all are causing the nation’s young to revamp their dreams for the good life. Many of the nation’s young people are convinced that, despite the economy’s steady climb out of recession, they will get only a tiny share of the spreading prosperity or nothing at all.