Quote by William Butler Yeats

An aged man is but a paltry thing, a tattered coat upon a stick

An aged man is but a paltry thing, a tattered coat upon a st

Summary

This quote, from the poem "Sailing to Byzantium" by W.B. Yeats, expresses the fleeting and insignificant nature of old age. It suggests that as a person grows older, they become weak and frail, reduced to a mere shell of their former self. The imagery of an aged man being compared to a worn-out coat hanging on a stick highlights the vulnerability and diminished state that comes with aging. Yeats reminds us that the physical decay of old age presents a stark contrast to the rich inner life and vibrant spirit that is contained within.

Topics

Age

By William Butler Yeats

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