Marcus Aurelius: 'You must become an old man in good time if you wish to be an old man long.'

You must become an old man in good time if you wish to be an old man long.

The quote by Marcus Aurelius, "You must become an old man in good time if you wish to be an old man long," carries a straightforward meaning that emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself throughout life to enjoy old age. It suggests that one must adopt healthy habits, both physically and mentally, at an early stage to ensure a long and fulfilling journey into old age. Aurelius encourages us to proactively shape our lives and make wise choices to preserve our well-being as we age.While this quote resonates with many, it also raises intriguing philosophical questions about the nature of time and subjective experience. What does it mean to become an "old man in good time"? Does this refer solely to age or does it encompass a broader understanding of the self and one's existence?One possible interpretation is that becoming "an old man in good time" means embracing a sense of maturity and wisdom, irrespective of one's chronological age. It suggests that age is not merely a number but a state of mind, a culmination of experiences, and an attitude towards life. In this context, being an "old man" implies possessing the qualities of patience, wisdom, and perspective that often come with age.Contrarily, the concept of time as a subjective experience challenges the notion of aging solely in chronological terms. The philosopher Henri Bergson argued that time is not just a linear progression but rather a multifaceted dimension that we each experience subjectively. This raises the question: can one achieve the state of being "an old man in good time" through the manipulation of one's perception of time?By cultivating mindfulness and living in the present moment, it is possible to transcend the constraints of chronological age and tap into the wisdom and perspective characteristic of old age. This brings about a fascinating contrast between the conventional understanding of aging and the ability to access qualities associated with old age at any given moment.Moreover, becoming an "old man in good time" should not be limited to men alone. The quote can be interpreted in a gender-neutral manner, urging individuals of all genders to take care of their well-being and adopt a mindful approach to life, regardless of their eventual age.In summary, Marcus Aurelius's quote reminds us of the importance of taking care of ourselves from an early stage to enjoy a long and fulfilling journey into old age. However, by introducing the philosophical concept of time as a subjective experience, the quote gains new dimensions and complexity. It highlights the possibility of accessing the wisdom and perspective associated with old age beyond the constraints of chronological time. Ultimately, becoming an "old man in good time" transcends age, becoming a state of mind that can be embraced by anyone, regardless of their gender or chronological age.