"Some old men, continually praise the time of their youth. In fact, you would almost think that there were no fools in their days, but unluckily they themselves are left as an example"
- Alexander Pope
About this Quote
This quote by Alexander Pope is a commentary on the propensity of some elderly people to glamorize their youth. They typically mention it as if it was a time of excellence, as if there were no absurdity or errors made. Pope is suggesting that this is not the case, which these senior people are in reality living examples of the foolishness that existed in their youth. He is implying that they are not as smart as they think they are, which they must not be so quick to judge the present generation. This quote acts as a reminder that we must not be so quick to judge the past, which we ought to be mindful of our own mistakes and imperfections. It is a pointer to be simple and to acknowledge that we are all efficient in making errors.
"I weep for the liberty of my country when I see at this early day of its successful experiment that corruption has been imputed to many members of the House of Representatives, and the rights of the people have been bartered for promises of office"