“You must become an old man in good time if you wish to be an old man long.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“You must become an old man in good time if you wish to be an old man long.”
Explanation
Cicero offers a wise and subtly humorous reflection on aging: to live a long life, one must embrace the habits and mindset of old age early. This means adopting moderation, prudence, and self-care—qualities often associated with older individuals—before age demands them. In essence, those who live wisely and temperately from youth increase their chances of reaching and enjoying old age.
This thought aligns with Cicero’s broader Stoic-influenced philosophy, especially in De Senectute (On Old Age), where he praises a life guided by reason, discipline, and virtue as the foundation of healthy aging. Rather than seeing old age as a decline, Cicero presents it as a reward for those who live thoughtfully and prepare for it with dignity and foresight.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to the value of long-term thinking and preventative living. From health to finances to personal development, early wisdom is the key to enduring well-being. Cicero reminds us that longevity is not merely a matter of luck or genetics, but of embracing the virtues of age—reflection, balance, and restraint—long before necessity makes them unavoidable.
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