"I think age is a very high price to pay for maturity"

In this quote, Tom Stoppard is expressing his belief that maturity comes at an expense, specifically the cost of age. He is suggesting that as we grow older and get more life experience, we likewise lose some of our youthful energy and innocence. This can be viewed as a trade-off, where we acquire knowledge and understanding but also lose some of the carefree aspects of youth. Stoppard may also be implying that maturity is not something that can be hurried or required, however rather something that naturally comes with time and age. Overall, this quote highlights the bittersweet nature of growing older and acquiring maturity.