“Hesitation increases in relation to risk in equal proportion to age.”
- July 21, 1899 – July 2, 1961
- American
- Novelist, poet, journalist
- Wrote masterpieces such as “The Old Man and the Sea,” “A Farewell to Arms,” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” and won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954
Quote
“Hesitation increases in relation to risk in equal proportion to age.”
Explanation
In this quote, Hemingway suggests that as people grow older, they become more cautious and reluctant to take risks. The idea is that hesitation, or the tendency to hesitate before acting, increases as the potential consequences of an action seem greater, which often happens with age. When we are young, we are typically more willing to take chances, perhaps driven by inexperience, confidence, or the sense of immortality. As we get older, however, we accumulate more knowledge, responsibility, and experience, and the stakes of risk seem much higher. This natural progression toward more cautious decision-making is part of the process of maturity but can sometimes limit the spontaneity or boldness that youth allows.
Hemingway himself was known for his adventurous spirit and his ability to embrace risk throughout his life—whether in his travels, his participation in wars, or his explorations of dangerous sports like bullfighting. His characters, such as Robert Jordan in For Whom the Bell Tolls or Santiago in The Old Man and the Sea, often face risks that involve significant personal stakes, yet they push forward in pursuit of their goals, embodying the bravery and determination that come with youth. However, Hemingway also recognized the growing complexities and doubts that accompany age, as well as the emotional and physical costs that come with taking risks.
In the modern context, this quote can be applied to the fear of failure or the pressure of responsibility that people feel as they age. As individuals progress in their careers, relationships, and personal lives, the risks they take seem to have larger consequences, leading to a tendency to hesitate or avoid decisions that could lead to failure or loss. This hesitation is natural, but it also serves as a reminder that taking risks—whether in business, personal growth, or relationships—is often necessary to make progress and embrace opportunity, even if it means stepping outside of one’s comfort zone. Hemingway’s quote encourages us to reflect on the balance between caution and action as we age, recognizing that sometimes boldness and risk are still needed, even in later stages of life.
