You thought, as a boy, that a mage is one who can do anything. So I thought, once. So did we all. And the truth is that as a man's real power grows and his knowledge widens, ever the way he can follow grows narrower: until at least he chooses nothing, but does only and wholly what he must do.

Summary

This quote highlights the transition from childhood to adulthood, specifically in the context of the perception of power and capabilities. In childhood, there is a belief that a mage, or someone with great power or knowledge, can achieve anything they desire. However, as one grows older and gains more power and knowledge, the realization dawns that this wide array of possibilities decreases. As responsibilities and realities set in, one's choices become more limited, and they are guided by what they must do rather than what they want to do.

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