For age is opportunity no less Than youth itself, though in

"For age is opportunity no less Than youth itself, though in another dress, And as the evening twilight fades away The sky is filled with stars, invisible by day." These immortal words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow carry within them a profound truth, one that transcends the illusions of youth and age. In our youth, we are filled with ambition, vigor, and a restless desire to conquer the world. The world before us seems full of endless possibilities, and we believe that opportunity lies only in the days of youth, when time is unmarked and life stretches ahead like a boundless horizon. Yet Longfellow, with his wisdom, reminds us that age—often seen as a time of decline or limitation—can also be a time of tremendous opportunity, if only we understand its true nature. Just as the twilight hours bring out the stars, which remain invisible during the day, so too does age bring out aspects of life that were hidden or overlooked in the exuberance of youth.

In the fullness of youth, we often perceive the world as an untamed wilderness, filled with countless adventures and challenges to be met. The future appears infinite, and youth itself is seen as the source of all power and potential. Yet as time progresses, we begin to understand that youth alone is not the key to all opportunities; rather, it is the experience, the wisdom, and the clarity gained through the years that open new doors. Age, in its quiet way, offers a different kind of strength—one that is born not of physical vigor, but of inner growth, reflection, and the accumulated lessons of a life well-lived. Longfellow’s metaphor of the stars emerging at twilight speaks directly to this truth—age, like the twilight, unveils a new beauty, a beauty that may not be visible in the full light of day but shines brightly in the quiet hours of experience.

Consider, O children, the great Socrates, who, though an old man when he became famous, did not allow his age to limit his greatness. His body had grown old, yet his mind remained sharp and curious, ever seeking truth and wisdom. Socrates did not lament the loss of his youthful body, for he understood that his true strength lay not in physical vitality, but in the power of his questions and the depth of his insight. It was in his age that he found his greatest opportunity to teach, to question, and to inspire those around him. The stars of his wisdom were not visible in his youth but shone brightly in his later years, when his understanding of life had deepened and his influence reached far beyond what his youthful self could have imagined.

Let us also reflect on the life of Mahatma Gandhi, who, though he began his work for Indian independence in his youth, found his greatest opportunity and strength in his later years. Gandhi’s age brought with it a deep sense of purpose and clarity, qualities that were not as apparent in his youthful days. His strength was no longer in the force of his actions, but in the power of his nonviolent resistance, his ability to inspire millions with the wisdom of a man who had seen the rise and fall of many political forces. Gandhi, in his age, embodied Longfellow’s metaphor: as his physical strength waned, the stars of his influence and wisdom shone brighter, lighting the path for future generations.

The lesson, O children of wisdom, is this: age is not to be feared, nor is it a time of lost opportunities. Rather, it is a season of transformation. Just as the twilight hour transforms the sky into a canvas of stars that were invisible in the light of day, so too does age transform the life of a person, revealing new possibilities and insights. Age offers opportunity not in the form of physical prowess, but in the richness of experience, the clarity of reflection, and the depth of understanding that can only come with time. In the twilight of life, there is still much to offer, much to learn, and much to give to the world.

Look at the lives of those who have aged with grace and purpose. The elderly who have learned to embrace their years, who have gained the wisdom of their experiences, become living testaments to the truth that age is not an enemy, but a gift. It is in the later years that we are often given the opportunity to share our knowledge, to guide the next generation, and to reflect on the richness of the journey we have walked. The stars that appear at twilight are but the accumulated light of the experiences that have come before, and in the same way, age reveals the deeper beauty of life.

And so, O children, as you grow older, do not fear the passing of time. Understand that with each passing year, you are given new opportunities to grow, to reflect, and to embrace the fullness of life. Just as the twilight sky reveals the beauty of the stars, so too does age reveal the beauty of the lessons you have learned, the wisdom you have gathered, and the purpose you have found. Embrace age with joy, for it is not the loss of opportunity, but the birth of new possibilities, as the stars shine bright in the evening sky. Let your life be filled with the same brilliance, the same quiet strength, that only time and experience can bestow.