“He who is of calm and happy nature will hardly feel the pressure of age, but to him who is of an opposite disposition youth and age are equally a burden.”
- 427 BC – 347 BC
- Born in Athens, ancient Greece
- Philosopher, scholar, founder of the Academy
- A student of Socrates, his works include “The Republic” and “The Symposium,” and he had a major influence on Western philosophy with his ideas and philosopher-rulership.
Quote
“He who is of calm and happy nature will hardly feel the pressure of age, but to him who is of an opposite disposition youth and age are equally a burden.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato suggests that attitude plays a significant role in how one experiences the passage of time, particularly the effects of aging. A person with a calm and content disposition, who has peace with themselves and their circumstances, will not be weighed down by the inevitable physical changes or challenges that come with aging. Such a person finds joy and fulfillment in life, regardless of their age. For them, both youth and old age are merely stages of life that do not bring significant hardship.
On the other hand, someone who is of a more restless, discontented, or unfulfilled nature may struggle with both youth and old age, as neither period brings them true satisfaction. Whether they are young and restless or old and dissatisfied, their inner turmoil makes both stages feel like burdens. This emphasizes that internal peace and contentment are more important than external circumstances in shaping how we experience life, including the passage of time.
This idea ties into Plato’s broader philosophy of the balanced life, where inner harmony, wisdom, and virtue are key to achieving peace and fulfillment. In *The Republic*, he describes the importance of cultivating a soul that is in balance, where reason governs the appetites and emotions, leading to inner tranquility and contentment.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with the psychological understanding that mindset and attitude greatly influence our experience of life. Whether we feel burdened by age or other life circumstances depends largely on how we approach those challenges. A positive, grateful, and contented attitude can make the aging process feel less burdensome, whereas a negative or unfulfilled mindset can make both youth and old age feel like challenges. Plato’s message encourages us to cultivate peace and contentment, regardless of external changes, in order to live a fulfilling and balanced life.
