"Advice in old age is foolish; for what can be more absurd than to increase our provisions for the road the nearer we approach to our journey's end"

Marcus Tullius Cicero, the great Roman statesman and philosopher, challenges the wisdom of offering or seeking advice in old age by comparing life to a journey. He holds that storing up new knowledge or adjusting one's path late in life is akin to burdening oneself with supplies just as the destination comes into sight. The metaphor is clear: life is a finite voyage, and as we near its conclusion, it is irrational to gather extra “provisions” for a road with so little left to traverse. Cicero implies that the acquisition of resources, whether they be material goods, new plans, or fresh pieces of advice, becomes less relevant as the remaining time to employ them dwindles.

His assertion prompts deeper reflection on the nature of wisdom and the purpose of preparation. When young, individuals are often encouraged to seek counsel, learn vigorously, and prepare extensively, as much of their journey lies ahead. That energy and stockpiling of resources makes sense. However, in the final stage of life, the emphasis naturally shifts. Old age, Cicero suggests, should center more on reflection, contentment, and perhaps imparting guidance to others, rather than stockpiling new advice for oneself.

There is also an undercurrent that criticizes the perennial human tendency to worry excessively about the future, even when that future is nearly exhausted. The desire to continue preparing reflects an anxiety that may never be entirely calmed, regardless of circumstance or age. Cicero points toward acceptance: at some point, one must let go of endless preparation and turn instead toward making peace with what one has, cherishing memories, relationships, and the wisdom already accumulated. Rather than seeing the dwindling journey as an occasion for increased anxiety and new strategy, he advocates embracing the natural winding down, appreciating the present, and accepting the inevitability of life’s end with poise and clarity.