Francis Bacon
The Quote in Other Words
The saying suggests that there are four things that are better when they are old: wood for burning, wine for drinking, friends for trusting, and authors for reading.
Explanation of the Quote
This quote highlights the value of age and experience in various aspects of life. The first two examples, old wood and old wine, suggest that age can enhance the quality of certain things. Old wood may be better for burning because it has had time to dry and become more combustible, while old wine may have a richer flavor due to the aging process.
The latter two examples, old friends and old authors, emphasize the importance of trust and wisdom that comes with age. Old friends have likely been through many experiences together and have built a strong bond of trust, while old authors have had a lifetime to accumulate knowledge and insights that can be gleaned from their writings.
Overall, this quote suggests that age should be respected and valued, as it can bring about positive changes and enhance the quality of certain things in life. It also highlights the importance of building strong relationships and seeking wisdom from those who have lived longer and experienced more.