Age appears to be best in four things; old wood best to burn, old

"Age appears to be best in four things; old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old authors to read." - Francis Bacon. These words, spoken by one of the greatest minds of the Renaissance, carry with them a deep truth about the value of age and the wisdom that time bestows. Bacon suggests that age, far from being something to fear or resent, is in fact a blessing in certain things—a blessing that deepens the value of all it touches. Just as old wood, wine, friends, and authors improve with time, so too do the treasures of life become richer as they endure the test of time. The process of aging, when embraced, brings strength, depth, and substance.

Consider the example of old wine, which improves with age, gaining complexity and richness in flavor that cannot be replicated in the youth of a new bottle. Aged wine has been perfected by the elements—by the soil, the climate, and the passage of time. The same can be said of old friends, whose relationships have matured over time. Through shared experience, trials, and celebrations, friendships deepen and become more meaningful. Old friends are like aged wine, offering comfort, trust, and an unspoken understanding that grows more valuable as the years go by. We may come across many acquaintances in life, but it is the old friends, those who have walked with us through thick and thin, who provide the deepest connection.

Bacon’s wisdom also reflects on old wood, which, though it may be weathered, burns the hottest, offering more heat and lasting power than the green wood of youth. So too does experience—those who have lived longer, who have seen the world and its complexities, bring strength and insight that cannot be matched by the youthful energy of those just beginning their journey. Old wood, like the lessons we learn throughout life, has been tempered by the storms of time and can withstand the trials that would break a younger, less seasoned spirit. The value of old wood, like that of old age, lies not in its appearance, but in the fire it can provide when needed most.

Bacon’s assertion about old authors speaks to the timelessness of knowledge and the deep well of wisdom that great thinkers leave behind. The works of ancient authors—whether the philosophers of Greece, the poets of Rome, or the great minds of the Renaissance—hold a depth that continues to resonate across the ages. These writings have stood the test of time, offering insights that remain relevant to each new generation. Much like a seasoned oak tree, which weathers the years and still stands strong, the words of old authors become more profound as we grow older, providing us with new understanding with each passing year. The wisdom contained in these texts can shape our lives in ways that mere novelty or modernity cannot.

Consider the story of Marcus Aurelius, whose personal writings, compiled in the work Meditations, continue to offer profound wisdom to this day. Despite the passage of centuries, his reflections on virtue, leadership, and self-discipline remain invaluable to those who seek guidance. Marcus Aurelius was an emperor, yes, but his reflections were the writings of a man who understood the value of experience and self-examination. His thoughts, like the finest aged wine, only grow richer as we revisit them throughout our lives. His wisdom, like that of old authors, provides comfort, guidance, and clarity, regardless of the era in which we read it.

The lesson from Bacon’s words is clear: age, in certain things, is a source of great value. Just as old wood burns more fiercely, old wine tastes more refined, old friends offer deeper trust, and the writings of old authors bring more insight with time, so too should we embrace the richness that comes with the passage of years. Time, when spent wisely, adds depth to our lives and relationships, imbuing them with a strength and wisdom that youth cannot replicate. It is through these things—wood, wine, friendship, and wisdom—that we see the true value of aging: it does not diminish but refines.

Thus, the practical advice we take from Bacon’s insight is to value the richness of time. Cherish your relationships, and seek to grow deep and meaningful connections with old friends. Embrace experience, knowing that, like old wood, it will provide you with a strength that will serve you well in the challenges of life. Read the works of the great thinkers, whose words will only grow in significance as you age, and learn from the lessons they have passed down. In doing so, you will find that as you grow older, the fire within you, like the aged wood and wine, will burn brighter, providing both warmth and guidance to those who follow in your wake.