We all wish to reach a ripe old age, but none of us are prepared to admit that we are already there.
Interpretation
Aging is a natural part of life that many desire, yet few acknowledge in themselves.
This quote by Francisco De Quevedo reflects on the human tendency to aspire for a long life while simultaneously resisting the reality of aging. It suggests that while society venerates the idea of living to a ripe old age, individuals often overlook their current age, perhaps due to societal pressures or fear of the implications that come with aging.
In practice
In a speech about embracing life stages, one might say, 'As De Quevedo pointed out, we often overlook our own age while wishing for longevity.'
... one doesn't want to read badly any more than live badly, since time will not relent. I don't know that we owe God or nature a death, but nature will collect anyway, and we certainly owe mediocrity nothing, whatever collectivity it purports to advance or at least represent.
Poverty with security is better than plenty in the midst of fear and uncertainty.
The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you've got it made.
If one can only see things according to one's own belief system, one is destined to become virtually deaf, dumb, and blind.
Hindsight is always twenty-twenty.
In a way, I'm always trying to do something I'm not qualified to do. So I feel that lack of qualification. And I'm scared. And I have a tendency to think things may not/probably won't work out. That's my basic mindset.
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