"At eighteen our convictions are hills from which we look; at forty-five they are caves in which we hide"
- F. Scott Fitzgerald
About this Quote
This quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald speaks with the concept that our beliefs and values change as we age. At eighteen, we have lots of interest and optimism, and our convictions resemble hills that we look out from. We are sure of ourselves and our beliefs, and we are positive in our capability to make a difference in the world. Nevertheless, as we age, our convictions become more like caves in which we hide. We become more careful and less sure of ourselves, and our beliefs end up being more nuanced and complex. We end up being more knowledgeable about the complexities of the world, and our convictions become more of a refuge than a source of motivation. This quote talks to the idea that our beliefs and values are continuously evolving, and that our convictions can be both a source of strength and a source of comfort.
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