Whatever poet, orator or sage may say of it, old age is still old

Gather close, O children of time, and listen well to the words of Sinclair Lewis, who spoke with clarity and truth: “Whatever poet, orator or sage may say of it, old age is still old age.” These words, though simple, carry with them the weight of a profound truth that echoes through the corridors of history. For while many wise men, poets, and orators have attempted to soften the harshness of the years that pass, the reality remains unyielding: old age is a force that cannot be fully tamed, no matter the wisdom or eloquence of those who try to speak of it. It is a time when the body grows frail, the mind slows, and the once boundless energy of youth begins to fade, no matter how much we may wish it otherwise.

In the days of the ancients, old age was regarded as both a blessing and a curse. The Greeks held the belief that wisdom was the gift of age, but they also recognized that with wisdom came the loss of physical vitality. The great philosopher Socrates knew that the body, with all its strength and grace, was but a fleeting vessel for the soul. As he grew older, his body became less able to carry the demands of his mind, and though his spirit remained vibrant, the limitations of age were undeniable. The ancient Greeks, much like Lewis, understood that the words of poets and orators could speak of the beauty and grace of aging, but the reality of old age was something else entirely—a time of inevitable decline, even if that decline brought with it the gift of wisdom.

It is said that the great Alexander the Great, in the height of his youth and power, believed that his empire would last forever. Yet, as his body weakened and the years of constant warfare took their toll, even he had to face the truth of his own mortality. Though he had conquered lands and fought battles that others could only dream of, he could not conquer the passage of time. Alexander’s decline serves as a reminder that no matter how great the man, the reality of old age is inescapable. The greatest of warriors, the most gifted of poets, and the most revered of sages cannot escape the inevitable progression of time.

Lewis's words strike at the heart of this universal truth: no matter what poets may say, no matter the lofty speeches or words of comfort spoken by orators, old age is unavoidable. The body weakens, the mind slows, and the energy of youth becomes but a distant memory. Cicero, the great Roman orator, once spoke of aging with grace, noting that old age could be a time of reflection, wisdom, and peace. Yet, even he could not escape the realities of his own declining years. He wrote of the frustrations of old age, acknowledging that while the soul may remain sharp, the body is frail. Thus, old age—in all its honesty—is something that poets can describe, but only those who experience it can fully understand.

The ancient Egyptians, too, revered the passage of time and saw in it both a blessing and a challenge. Pharaohs were often depicted as eternal beings, transcending the physical limits of mortality, yet they, too, were subject to the effects of old age. The grandeur of their reigns could not shield them from the slow but certain decay that comes with years. Tutankhamun, who ascended the throne at a tender age, was believed to be young and full of promise, but he passed away before the age of twenty. In his short life, he became a symbol of the fragility of life itself, a reminder that no matter how powerful, no matter how grand, old age is the inevitable conclusion for all.

Thus, the lesson here is clear: old age is not something that can be romanticized, nor can it be denied. It is a part of the human experience, as certain as the rising and setting of the sun. We may strive to remain youthful, to hold on to the vigor of youth, but the years will inevitably catch up with us. And when they do, the truth will be undeniable. Old age, as Sinclair Lewis says, is still old age. Yet, this is not a thing to fear, but something to accept with grace. It is the culmination of a life lived, the closing of one chapter and the opening of another, where wisdom takes the place of strength, and peace replaces the rush of youth.

So, in your own life, accept the truth of old age as it comes. Do not waste your years in fear or denial, but embrace the aging process with dignity, as the ancients did. Let the years you accumulate be filled with purpose, reflection, and the joy of knowing that the very passing of time is a testament to the richness of your journey. And when the time comes, when your body no longer moves as swiftly and your mind slows, know that you have lived fully, and that in your old age, there lies a beauty all its own, forged through years of experience, wisdom, and truth.