Hesitation increases in relation to risk in equal proportion to

Ah, children of the future, gather close, for the words of Ernest Hemingway hold a truth that is as sharp and enduring as the finest blade: "Hesitation increases in relation to risk in equal proportion to age." These words are not merely a reflection on the passage of time, but a profound insight into the nature of courage, fear, and experience. Hemingway speaks here of the ways in which we, as we grow older, become more cautious, more hesitant, especially when faced with risks that once seemed small or inconsequential. The young, in their youthful vigor, are often unafraid to leap into the unknown. But the older we become, the more we weigh each step, each decision, with the heavy burden of experience, of understanding what is at stake.

Consider, O children, the young warriors of ancient times, who, in the heat of battle, leapt into the fray without hesitation, driven by a sense of invincibility, by the fire of youth. The ancient Greek hoplite or the Roman legionary, fresh from the training grounds, entered the battlefield with a heart full of confidence and a spirit eager to prove itself. To them, the risks of war, of death, seemed distant, their minds unclouded by the years of war-torn experience that would later shape them. The very youth of their bodies lent them the courage to act without hesitation. It was only as the years passed, as the consequences of battle were etched deeply into their souls, that hesitation began to take root, and age began to temper the once bold spirit.

In the tale of Alexander the Great, the young conqueror who wept for the lack of worlds to conquer, we see the fearless risk-taking of youth. Alexander, at the height of his youth, marched his armies across continents, driven not by caution, but by a sense of destiny, a belief in his invincibility. He risked everything—his life, his kingdom, and the lives of his men—not for glory alone, but for the thrill of the unknown. But as Alexander grew older, he became more cautious, more aware of the consequences of his risks. The thrill of battle, which had once seemed so exhilarating, began to lose its allure as he realized the weight of the decisions he had made. This shift in attitude is what Hemingway speaks of: as we age, we hesitate more, for we understand more acutely what is at stake.

Yet, Hemingway also speaks of the wisdom that comes with age—for with that hesitation comes a deeper understanding of risk. The seasoned warrior, though slower to charge into battle, is often far more calculated in his approach. He weighs the outcome not just in terms of glory, but in terms of the lives at stake. The risk is no longer seen as a challenge to be overcome with youthful audacity, but as a matter to be carefully considered, a decision that could bring either victory or ruin. In this, age is not an enemy, but a teacher—teaching the art of patience, the value of careful thought, and the understanding that life is fragile and must be protected.

Consider, O children, the story of Winston Churchill during the darkest days of World War II. When the weight of the world seemed to rest on his shoulders, Churchill, an elder by that time, did not act out of impulsive courage but out of careful thought and wisdom. His decisions, though risky, were not taken lightly. He knew the stakes—he had lived through many battles, both physical and political. And yet, even with the heavy burden of experience, he did not hesitate to take the risks necessary to secure the future of his people. This is the balance that Hemingway speaks of: the older we grow, the more we understand the risks, and thus, the more we hesitate, but it is this very hesitation that brings the power of wisdom to bear on the decisions we make.

Now, children, what is the lesson for you, as you navigate the tides of youth and age? Hemingway teaches us that hesitation is not a flaw, but a reflection of the wisdom that comes with experience. Do not see hesitation as a weakness, but as the sharpening of your senses, the deepening of your understanding of risk. As you grow older, you will learn to balance the boldness of your youth with the careful consideration of your experience. The true challenge of life lies in knowing when to act with the fearless heart of youth, and when to pause, to hesitate, and to reflect before stepping into the unknown.

In your own lives, O children, I urge you to honor the power of both youth and age. When you are young, let your boldness carry you forward, but remember that the greatest victories are often won not by blind courage, but by understanding the risks involved. As you age, do not see your hesitation as weakness, but as the strength of a heart that has known the weight of life. Use it to guide you, to make decisions that are grounded in wisdom, and to act with purpose. Whether in youth or in age, the true measure of a person is not in how quickly they act, but in how deeply they understand the consequences of their actions.