“It is unbecoming for young men to utter maxims.”
- 384 BC – 322 BC
- Originating from Macedonia in ancient Greece
- Philosopher and scientist, founder of the Lyceum academy
- A student of Plato, he constructed systematic knowledge in logic, biology, politics, ethics, etc., and had a major impact on the development of Western thought and science
Quote
“It is unbecoming for young men to utter maxims.”
Explanation
In this quote, Aristotle suggests that it is inappropriate or immature for young men to speak in terms of maxims—broad, generalized statements about life or human nature. Maxims are typically considered wise, timeless principles or rules that reflect deep understanding and experience. Aristotle implies that youth, due to their lack of life experience and wisdom, are not in a position to offer such generalized insights. Young people are still in the process of learning, growing, and forming their understanding of the world. Therefore, their perspectives may be incomplete or overly simplistic, making it unsuitable for them to claim universal truths or pass judgments on complex matters.
This idea resonates with modern concepts of wisdom and experience. In today’s world, there is a tendency for younger individuals to be more idealistic or driven by emotion, which can sometimes lead to an overestimation of their understanding. As they gain more experience, they refine their perspectives and develop the wisdom that comes with facing real-world challenges. Maxims—the principles often associated with deep reflection and experience—become more appropriate as one matures and accumulates knowledge from lived experience.
For example, a young person may feel strongly about certain issues or present solutions based on idealistic views, but over time, as they face the complexities of life and broaden their perspective, their approach may evolve and become more nuanced. Aristotle’s view encourages us to respect the process of learning and growing, recognizing that true wisdom is shaped by experience and reflection over time, and not by premature attempts to offer definitive truths.
