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
What, start at this! when sixty years have spread. Their grey experience o'er thy hoary head? Is this the all observing age could gain? Or hast thou known the world so long in vain?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the passage of time and the value of lived experiences.
In this quote, John Dryden questions whether a lifetime of experiences has led to meaningful insights or whether it has all been in vain. It serves as a contemplation of the wisdom that comes with age and the expectations that one might have from their accumulated knowledge and experiences over sixty years.
Themes
WisdomExperienceLifeReflectionAge
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a graduation speech to emphasize the importance of reflecting on one's life experiences.
More from John Dryden
All quotes →Of 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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