Women, as they grow older, rely more and more on cosmetics. Men

When George Jean Nathan said, “Women, as they grow older, rely more and more on cosmetics. Men, as they grow older, rely more and more on a sense of humor,” he was speaking with both wit and profound observation about the human condition. Beneath the humor lies an ancient truth: as the body ages and the illusions of youth fade, the qualities that endure are not superficial appearance but the essence of character. For women, society has long emphasized external beauty, a reflection of cultural pressures; for men, Nathan suggests, it is the cultivation of humor — the ability to navigate life’s challenges with wit and grace — that sustains charm and influence.

The ancients would have understood this duality. Plato and Aristotle emphasized the cultivation of virtue over the reliance on physical appearance. To grow older is to face the inevitability of change, and the wise adapt by nurturing qualities that remain durable: wit, wisdom, empathy, and humor. Nathan’s observation is a reflection of this enduring truth: superficial adornments may fade, but the art of perception, of laughter, and of engagement with the world deepens with time, revealing the enduring strength of character.

Consider the example of Oscar Wilde, whose charm and social influence were grounded not merely in appearance but in his razor-sharp wit and humor. As he aged, his physical beauty was less remarked upon, yet he remained magnetic, revered, and remembered precisely for his ability to provoke thought and laughter. His humor was both a shield and a bridge: it protected him from the vicissitudes of life while connecting him to others. Nathan’s insight reflects this principle: wit and humor grow in value as the superficial fades.

This observation also touches upon a deeper social truth. Women, constrained by societal emphasis on youth and beauty, may feel compelled to rely on cosmetics to maintain perceived desirability. Men, historically, have been judged less by appearance and more by intellect, social skill, and personality. Humor, then, becomes a vital tool for social navigation and enduring influence. It is not merely a diversion; it is a lens through which character, creativity, and resilience are displayed, much like the ancients valued eloquence and wisdom as marks of a cultivated soul.

Even in historical leadership, the reliance on humor as a sustaining force is evident. Winston Churchill, in the twilight of his life and leadership, used wit to manage crises, connect with allies, and maintain morale. His physical appearance mattered little compared to his humor and sharp mind, which preserved his influence and earned him enduring respect. Nathan’s aphorism is thus not merely commentary on gender, but on the qualities that endure as superficial measures of value diminish with age.

Humor also serves a personal function, offering resilience and perspective. To grow older is to face loss, disappointment, and the erosion of youthful vanity. Men, as Nathan observes, often turn to humor to navigate these challenges — to soften the sting of failure, to connect with others, and to retain dignity. In this way, humor is both armor and art, cultivating joy and stability when the body and the world change. The ancients too recognized the power of laughter as a tool for reflection and endurance, a timeless counterbalance to life’s trials.

The lesson, therefore, is twofold: nurture qualities that endure beyond the superficial, and recognize the power of humor as a tool for resilience, connection, and influence. Physical appearance is fleeting, but the ability to observe, to laugh, and to engage others with wit is timeless. Nathan’s observation reminds us that enduring charm, influence, and grace are cultivated from within, through character and perspective, rather than external embellishment alone.

In practical terms, this means investing in the cultivation of humor, empathy, and insight as one ages, while recognizing the limitations of superficial reliance. Celebrate the wisdom, wit, and character that come with experience, and use humor to navigate life’s challenges and connect with others. As George Jean Nathan teaches, the adornments of youth may fade, but the richness of humor and character endures, providing both joy and influence, and sustaining the soul through the passage of time.