"Maturity is a high price to pay for growing up"

In this quote, Tom Stoppard is suggesting that growing up and ending up being fully grown comes at an expense. It is not an easy or simple and easy procedure, but rather one that needs sacrifice and hard work. The word "price" implies that there is a compromise or a loss associated with the journey towards maturity. This could describe leaving the carefree and innocent nature of youth, or having to make hard decisions and handle obligations. Stoppard is highlighting the difficulties and problems of growing up, but likewise acknowledging the value and value of maturity in the development of a person.