In the second half of life the necessity is imposed of recognizing no longer the validity of our former ideals but of their contraries. Of perceiving the error in what was previously our conviction, of sensing the untruth in what was our truth, and of weighing the degree of opposition, and even of hostility, in what we took to be love.

Summary

This quote suggests that as we grow older, we are compelled to reconsider and reevaluate the values and beliefs we held dear in our youth. It emphasizes the need to acknowledge the flip side of our former ideals, to recognize the flaws in our previous convictions, and to recognize the falsehoods in what we once considered true. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of discerning the extent of opposition and even hostility present in situations that we believed to be expressions of love. Essentially, the quote illustrates the transformative nature of time and how it shapes our perception and understanding of life.

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