Muriel Spark
The Quote in Other Words
When an honorable existence has readied one for their later years, it is not a deterioration that is exposed, but rather the initial stages of eternal life.
Explanation of the Quote
This quote speaks to the idea that a life well-lived, one that is noble and virtuous, prepares us for the ultimate stage of our existence: old age. Rather than seeing old age as a decline, this quote suggests that it is the beginning of a new phase of life, one that is marked by immortality.
What does it mean to be immortal? It could mean many things, but in the context of this quote, it likely refers to the idea that our legacy lives on beyond our physical existence. When we live a noble life, we leave behind a legacy that inspires others to follow in our footsteps. Our actions and words continue to impact the world long after we are gone.
This quote challenges us to think about how we want to be remembered. Do we want to be remembered for our material possessions or our accomplishments? Or do we want to be remembered for the way we treated others, the values we stood for, and the impact we had on the world? By living a noble life, we can ensure that our legacy is one of immortality.