Like childhood, old age is irresponsible, reckless, and foolhardy. Children and old people have everything to gain and nothing much to lose. It's middle-age which is cursed by the desperate need to cling to some finger-hold halfway up the mountain, to conform, not to cause trouble, to behave well....

Summary

This quote emphasizes the idea that both childhood and old age share a sense of fearlessness and carefree nature. Children have yet to accumulate responsibilities and old people have already experienced most of life's pressures. It suggests that middle-age is burdened with the need to conform and maintain stability, resulting in a loss of freedom and willingness to take risks. In contrast, childhood and old age are viewed as stages where individuals have little to lose and can pursue their desires without the weight of societal expectations.

Topics