Desiderius Erasmus
The Quote in Other Words
As individuals approach old age, they tend to revert back to a state resembling childhood. Eventually, when it is time for them to pass away, they become childlike once more, neither fatigued by life nor cognizant of death.
Explanation of the Quote
This quote highlights the cyclical nature of life, where the elderly return to a state of childlike innocence before departing from this world. It suggests that as we age, we shed the layers of societal expectations and responsibilities that we accumulate throughout our lives, and return to a simpler state of being. This can be seen as a natural progression towards the end of life, where we become more vulnerable and dependent on others, much like children.
However, the quote also suggests that in this state of childlike innocence, the elderly are neither tired of living nor aware of death. This can be interpreted as a form of acceptance and peace with the inevitability of death, where the fear and anxiety that often accompany the end of life are replaced with a sense of calm and contentment. It also highlights the resilience of the human spirit, where even in the face of death, we can find joy and meaning in life.