“As I approve of a youth that has something of the old man in him, so I am no less pleased with an old man that has something of the youth. He that follows this rule may be old in body, but can never be so in mind.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“As I approve of a youth that has something of the old man in him, so I am no less pleased with an old man that has something of the youth. He that follows this rule may be old in body, but can never be so in mind.”
Explanation
This quote praises the blending of age and youth within the human spirit, suggesting that wisdom and vitality are not exclusive to any one stage of life. Cicero admires a young person who shows maturity, foresight, and restraint, just as he honors an elder who retains energy, curiosity, and a youthful outlook. The ideal, he says, is to balance the virtues of both youth and age, allowing the mind to remain engaged, flexible, and vibrant even as the body grows old.
This reflection comes from Cicero’s Cato Maior de Senectute (On Old Age), where he defends the value and dignity of aging. Rather than viewing old age as a decline, he presents it as an opportunity to cultivate wisdom, influence others positively, and live in accordance with nature and reason. The key, he suggests, is maintaining a lively spirit, nourished by intellectual pursuits and a resilient attitude.
In modern life, Cicero’s message remains deeply resonant. It reminds us that growing older does not mean surrendering vitality, and that young people benefit from early wisdom, just as elders thrive when they stay curious and engaged. His words celebrate a lifelong pursuit of balance, where the mind transcends the body’s limitations, and one remains ever youthful in thought, regardless of age.
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