Douglas William Jerrold: 'Love's like the measles - all the worse when it comes late in life.'

Love's like the measles - all the worse when it comes late in life.

Douglas William Jerrold's quote, 'Love's like the measles - all the worse when it comes late in life,' encapsulates the idea that experiencing love later in life can be more challenging and overwhelming. At face value, the quote suggests that love, much like the contagious disease, can be more difficult to handle and navigate when it occurs later in one's years. However, let's delve deeper into this quote and explore an unexpected philosophical concept to bring a fresh perspective to the topic.Love is a complex and multifaceted emotion that can have a profound impact on our lives, regardless of when it appears. In our youth, we often associate love with passion, excitement, and idealized notions of romance. It is a time when we are more open, vulnerable, and willing to take risks. As we age, priorities shift, life experiences shape our perspectives, and we become more guarded, making love's arrival later in life a unique experience.The quote highlights the challenges that may arise when love enters our lives during our later years. It suggests that the baggage and scars accumulated over time can make it more difficult to fully embrace and engage with a new romantic connection. Perhaps in our youth, we are more willing to overlook flaws, accept imperfections, and dive headfirst into love. However, as we age, we have higher expectations, established routines, and a greater aversion to change. This can lead to heightened scrutiny, fear of vulnerability, and an overall reluctance to let love in.On the surface, Jerrold's quote seems to imply that delayed love is synonymous with hardship and difficulty. However, if we introduce the philosophical concept of wisdom and self-discovery, a contrasting perspective emerges. The idea that love is worse when it arrives late in life can be challenged by the notion that it can also be more profound, fulfilling, and meaningful.As we journey through life, we accumulate wisdom, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of who we are as individuals. These experiences equip us with the tools to navigate relationships with more clarity and emotional maturity. Love later in life can be seen as a culmination of all our life lessons, allowing us to appreciate its significance on a deeper level. It becomes less about passion and more about companionship, mutual respect, and a shared journey.Furthermore, the quote raises an interesting question about the extent to which we control our fate in matters of the heart. Are we mere recipients of love's timing, or do we actively shape and manifest it into our lives? Love arriving late in life might be a result of personal growth, self-discovery, and the readiness to invite it in. It could also be seen as a testament to the notion that things happen when they are meant to, guiding us to the right person at the right time.In conclusion, Douglas William Jerrold's quote, 'Love's like the measles - all the worse when it comes late in life,' conveys a surface level understanding that love later in life can be more challenging. However, upon further examination through the contrasting lens of wisdom and self-discovery, we discover that delayed love carries its own unique profundity and fulfillment. It is a culmination of life experiences and growth, allowing for a deeper appreciation and understanding. So, while love may arrive late in life, it is not always for the worse; it can be an unexpected gift and a testament to the beauty of life's journey.