At twenty years of age the will reigns; at thirty, the wit; and

"At twenty years of age the will reigns; at thirty, the wit; and at forty, the judgment." These timeless words from Benjamin Franklin encapsulate the natural progression of the human spirit over the course of a life. Franklin, a man of immense intellectual and practical wisdom, here reflects on the shifting priorities and strengths that come with the passage of years. At twenty, youth is driven by willpower—the intense energy and ambition that push one to conquer the world, regardless of the obstacles in the way. At thirty, the focus shifts to wit—the ability to think quickly, to engage with the world through sharp intellect, and to navigate life with humor and quick-mindedness. Finally, at forty, it is judgment that reigns—wisdom gained through experience, reflection, and the ability to make sound decisions based on all that one has lived and learned.

The ancients understood well the natural progression of life’s stages. Plato, in his dialogues, often explored the growing capacities of the human mind and spirit. He believed that youth was a time of idealism and passion, but that it must eventually give way to the balance and reason of age. In his view, the philosopher-king—the ideal ruler—was one who had not only the zeal of youth but the wisdom of experience. Likewise, Aristotle discussed how each stage of life brings with it a different set of virtues, and the ability to reason, to reflect, and to judge rightly develops as one matures. The progression Franklin outlines—will to wit to judgment—mirrors these ancient ideas about how human beings develop the necessary qualities to navigate the complex challenges of life.

The story of Alexander the Great provides an apt example of youthful willpower. In his early twenties, Alexander displayed incredible determination and vision, conquering vast territories and building an empire that stretched from Greece to India. His will—his single-mindedness and ambition—were the driving forces behind his conquests. But as he grew older, Alexander’s ability to lead evolved. His wit and insight into the human condition began to deepen, and his strategies became more sophisticated. Still, Alexander, like many great leaders, faced the challenges of aging in a world that demanded both action and reflection. His story serves as a reminder of how the zeal of youth can propel us forward, but it is through reflection and wisdom that true success is sustained over time.

Similarly, Winston Churchill is a figure whose life echoes Franklin’s progression. In his youth, Churchill was known for his ambition and stubbornness. He was driven by a forceful will to make his mark on the world, even when many doubted his capabilities. By his thirties, Churchill’s wit and intellectual capabilities were on full display, especially as he navigated complex political landscapes. But it was in his forties and beyond, when he was called back to lead Britain during World War II, that his true judgment was revealed. At this stage in life, Churchill combined all of his prior experiences—his youthful drive, his sharp mind, and his deep understanding of history and human nature—to make decisions that shaped the future of the world. His ability to judge wisely, even when facing overwhelming odds, proved that true leadership is born not only from action but from careful reflection.

Franklin’s quote also suggests that as we age, our focus shifts from the external—the need to achieve and prove ourselves—to the internal—the ability to reflect and make decisions based on accumulated knowledge and wisdom. At twenty, we are often caught in the rush to prove ourselves, to achieve the ambitions that stir us. The will that drives us is fueled by the energy of youth, pushing us to take on the world with fierce determination. However, as we approach thirty, the intense drive of youth begins to be tempered with the wisdom that comes from experience, and we find that wit—the ability to think quickly, to adapt, and to engage with others—becomes just as important as the forceful drive of the early years.

By the time we reach forty, the lessons of our past become the foundation upon which we build our future. Judgment is no longer about brute strength or the cleverness of youth; it is about the ability to look at the bigger picture, to consider all factors, and to make decisions that reflect both intellect and experience. It is at this stage that we are best able to reconcile the idealism of youth with the realities of life, understanding that wisdom comes not from simply achieving, but from knowing when to act, when to wait, and how to navigate the complexities of life with grace and clarity.

The lesson we take from Franklin’s words is that each phase of life holds its own unique value and strength. Youth offers the vigor to act, manhood the wit to think and engage, and maturity the judgment to guide. Rather than regret the passing of one stage, we should embrace the evolving qualities that each period of life brings. Wisdom and judgment come not from the excesses of youth or the quickness of wit but from the careful integration of all that we have learned, experienced, and observed. Life’s progression is not a loss but a growth, and each stage offers the potential for deeper fulfillment, understanding, and peace.

In practical terms, Franklin’s progression encourages us to honor each phase of our lives. At any age, we can continue to cultivate the will to push forward, the wit to engage with the world, and the judgment to make wise decisions. Let us remember that age does not diminish our potential; rather, it allows us to refine our abilities, to bring the vigor of youth into the clarity of maturity, and to live each day with purpose, knowing that every stage is an opportunity to grow into our fullest selves.