"The first forty years of life give us the text; the next thirty supply the commentary on it"

This quote by Arthur Schopenhauer recommends that the very first forty years of a person's life are like the text of a book, supplying the foundation and standard understanding of who they are. The next thirty years, nevertheless, are like the commentary on that text, adding depth and insight to their experiences and forming their viewpoint on life. It implies that the first forty years are a time of learning and growth, while the next thirty are a time of reflection and understanding. This quote highlights the importance of both youth and maturity in shaping an individual's character and understanding of the world.