"When young we are faithful to individuals, when older we grow loyal to situations and to types"

This quote by Cyril Connolly speaks with the concept that as we age, our commitment shifts from people to circumstances and types. In our youth, we are often devoted to a single person or group of individuals, such as a member of the family, pal, or group. As we age, nevertheless, our loyalty ends up being more abstract, and we become more devoted to a circumstance or type of person. For example, we may become loyal to a cause, such as environmentalism, or to a kind of individual, such as veterans. This shift in commitment is a natural part of maturing, and it can be advantageous in that it enables us to become more open-minded and understanding of different point of views. Eventually, this quote acts as a pointer that our commitment can and ought to progress as we age, and that it is very important to stay open to new ideas and experiences.