Age steals away all things, even the mind.

Harken, O children of the future, to the words of the great Virgil, who in his poetic wisdom, speaks of a universal truth: "Age steals away all things, even the mind." These words resonate deeply with the experience of aging—the passage of time that strips away the strength of the body, the clarity of the mind, and even the memories we hold most dear. Virgil understood that the inexorable march of time does not just diminish the physical form, but can cloud the sharpness of thought and dull the brilliance of the mind. Aging, in his eyes, was a thief that stole not just the fleeting beauty of youth, but the mental faculties that we so often take for granted.

In the ancient world, aging was seen as both a natural and inevitable process, but also one that demanded respect and reflection. The Greeks believed that the true measure of a person’s wisdom came not just from their youthful strength, but from their experiences and the insights they gained over a lifetime. But Socrates, though full of wisdom, was keenly aware of the limitations that age imposed. In his later years, as he was tried for his beliefs, he noted how even his great mind, which had once been a source of strength, began to falter. Virgil speaks not only of the body’s decline but of the mind’s vulnerability, acknowledging that the greatest minds, too, are not immune to the ravages of time.

Virgil’s words bring to mind the life of Cicero, the great Roman philosopher and statesman. Though Cicero’s intellect remained sharp well into his later years, he often reflected on the toll that age had taken on his memory and his mental clarity. In one of his letters, Cicero lamented that even his once-vibrant mind had begun to falter with the passing of the years. His speeches, once fluent and forceful, became more difficult to recall, and the brilliance he had once relied upon began to slip away. This is the nature of Virgil’s truth: that age does not only rob us of physical vigor, but slowly steals even the sharpest minds.

In Virgil’s time, there was a deep reverence for the elderly, even as the society around them became more focused on youth and energy. The wise elders of Rome were cherished for the lessons they could offer, but it was understood that no one, not even the greatest philosopher or general, was immune to the deterioration of age. Just as the strong Roman legions slowly grew weaker with time, so too did the mind, despite all the wisdom and knowledge that had been accumulated. This knowledge, passed down through the ages, is a reminder that our minds, like our bodies, are fragile and subject to the inevitable pull of time.

Yet, O children, Virgil’s words are not only a lament for the passage of time but a call to appreciate the fleeting nature of youth and to prepare for the inevitable decline that comes with age. As the body weakens and the mind loses some of its sharpness, it is the spirit that must remain strong. The ancients taught that true wisdom comes not from maintaining the body or mind in perfect condition, but from the ability to accept change with grace and to continue to learn even as we age. Though the mind may become clouded, it is in our actions and our attitudes that we can still find strength.

Virgil teaches us that, while the ravages of age may steal many things from us, they do not steal the capacity to live wisely. Though the mind may not always be as sharp as it once was, the lessons learned through a lifetime of experience can still guide us. The greatest treasures of our lives are not found in the youthful exuberance of our early years, but in the wisdom we acquire over time. It is the wisdom of acceptance, reflection, and resilience that allows us to continue our journey with dignity and purpose, even as the body and mind slowly change.

Therefore, O children, heed this lesson: while aging is inevitable, and while the body and mind may decline, the spirit can remain ever vibrant. Do not fear the passing of years, but use each moment to cultivate the wisdom that will carry you forward. Even as your body weakens, seek to strengthen your mind and your heart. In the end, it is not how we look or how sharp our minds remain that defines us, but how we live, how we embrace the challenges of life, and how we remain resilient in the face of inevitable change. Virgil’s wisdom calls us to live each day with gratitude and to cherish the lessons of age, knowing that even as time takes away, it also bestows the gifts of reflection, peace, and understanding.