Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
John DrydenRead
Reason is a crutch for age, but youth is strong enough to walk alone.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Youth embodies strength and independence, while reason often serves as a support for the elderly.
This quote by John Dryden suggests that youth possesses an innate strength and capability that allows individuals to navigate life without reliance on reasoned thought or explanation. In contrast, as one ages, there is often a necessity to depend on reason and logic to manage life's complexities and challenges, indicating a shift in how individuals approach their experiences over time.
Themes
YouthReasonStrengthAgeIndependence
In practice
Example use cases
A motivational speech to inspire young people to trust their instincts.
More from John Dryden
All quotes βOf no distemper, of no blast he died, _x000D_ But fell like autumn fruit that mellow'd long: _x000D_ Even wonder'd at, because he dropp'd no sooner. _x000D_ Fate seem'd to wind him up for fourscore years; _x000D_ Yet freshly ran he on ten winters more; _x000D_ Till like a clock worn out with eating time, _x000D_ The wheels of weary life at last stood still.
John DrydenRead
Or hast thou known the world so long in vain?
John DrydenRead
Shame on the body for breaking down while the spirit perseveres.
John DrydenRead
Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; and every little absence is an age.
John DrydenRead
And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
John DrydenRead
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