youth and age essay

Francis Bacon on Youth and Age

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Francis Bacon was a true Renaissance man—statesman, writer, and philosopher of science. He is considered the first major English essayist . Professor Brian Vickers has pointed out that Bacon could "vary the tempo of argument in order to highlight important aspects." In the essay "Of Youth and Age," Vickers notes in the introduction to the Oxford World's Classics 1999 edition of " The Essays Or Counsels, Civil and Moral"  that Bacon "uses a most effective variation in tempo, now slowing down, now speeding up, together with syntactical parallelism , in order to characterize the two opposed stages of life." 

'Of Youth and Age'

A man that is young in years may be old in ​hours, if he have lost no time. But that happeneth rarely. Generally, youth is like the first cogitations, not so wise as the second. For there is a youth in thoughts, as well as in ages. And yet the invention of young men is more lively than that of old, and imaginations stream into their minds better, and as it were more divinely. Natures that have much heat and great and violent desires and perturbations, are not ripe for action till they have passed the meridian of their years; as it was with Julius Caesar , and Septimius Severus. Of the latter of whom it is said, Juventutem egit erroribus, imo furoribus, plenum 1 . And yet he was the ablest emperor, almost, of all the list. But reposed natures may do well in youth. As it is seen in Augustus Caesar, Cosmus Duke of Florence, Gaston de Foix, and others. On the other side, heat and vivacity in age is an excellent composition for business. Young men are fitter to invent than to judge; fitter for execution than for counsel; and fitter for new projects than for settled business. For the experience of age, in things that fall within the compass of it, directeth them; but in new things, abuseth them. The errors of young men are the ruin of business; but the errors of aged men amount but to this, that more might have been done, or sooner.

Young men, in the conduct and manage of actions, embrace more than they can hold; stir more than they can quiet; fly to the end, without consideration of the means and degrees; pursue some few principles which they have chanced upon absurdly; care not to innovate, which draws unknown inconveniences; use extreme remedies at first; and that which doubleth all errors, will not acknowledge or retract them; like an unready horse, that will neither stop nor turn. Men of age object too much, consult too long, adventure too little, repent too soon, and seldom drive business home to the full period, but content themselves with a mediocrity of success. Certainly it is good to compound employments of both; for that will be good for the present, because the virtues of either age may correct the defects of both; and good for succession, that young men may be learners, while men in age are actors; and, lastly, good for extern accidents, because authority followeth old men, and favour and popularity youth. But for the moral part, perhaps youth will have the pre-eminence, as age hath for the politic. A certain rabbin, upon the text, Your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams , inferreth that young men are admitted nearer to God than old, because vision is a clearer revelation than a dream. And certainly, the more a man drinketh of the world, the more it intoxicateth; and age doth profit rather in the powers of understanding, than in the virtues of the will and affections. There be some have an over-early ripeness in their years, which fadeth betimes. These are, first, such as have brittle wits, the edge whereof is soon turned; such as was Hermogenes the rhetorician, whose books are exceeding subtle; who afterwards waxed stupid. A second sort is of those that have some natural dispositions which have better grace in youth than in age; such as is a fluent and luxuriant speech, which becomes youth well, but not age: so Tully saith of Hortensius, Idem manebat, neque idem decebat 2 . The third is of such as take too high a strain at the first, and are magnanimous more than tract of years can uphold. As was Scipio Africanus, of whom Livy saith in effect, Ultima primis cedebant 3 .

1 He passed a youth full of errors, yea of madnesses. 2 He continued the same, when the same was not becoming. 3 His last actions were not equal to his first.

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Of Youth and Age – Summary

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In the essay, Of Youth and Age , Francis Bacon compares the two ages, youth and old age. The essay deals with the advantages and disadvantages of both the ages.

The essay ‘Of Youth and Old Age’ is one of the most popular essays of Lord Bacon. In this essay Bacon presents a comparative study of the nature of youth age and old age. He says that both the stages of life have their own merits and demerits. Bacon is of the view that the compounding of the characteristics of young age and old age can help in getting success especially in business.

Bacon first describes the drawbacks of youth. He says that although a young man may attain more experience than many old men, it is rare. Generally young people have certain shortcomings in them. He says that youth is liable to foolish thoughts. The errors of youth often prove fatal. It is because of certain characteristic weaknesses of youth such as attempting too much thinking only about the end, ignoring the means, holding on to imperfect principles, reckless innovations, extreme remedies and reluctance to acknowledge errors. Describing the merits of youth Bacon says that youth has lively invention and imagination. Though youth is not so well fit to judge or deliberate, it is fitter to invent and execute. A man that is young in years may be old in hours, if he has lost no time. Young men have a moral freshness, which the old lack in. They are full of adventures and would not tolerate partial success. They are better capable of taking immediate decisions.Thus young people have many advantages over old people.

Describing the drawbacks of old age Bacon says “Men of age object too much, consult too long, adventure too little, repent too soon and seldom drive business home to the full period, but content themselves with a mediocrity of success.” While describing the merits of old age he says that old men are more experienced than the young men and they are guided in their action by their experience. But they are less imaginative, they argue too much, consult too long, are less adventurous, repent too soon and seldom push an affair right through the end. Even a little success satisfies them.

According to Bacon the wise course is the course of golden mean. He advises that the merits of both young and old men should be employed in business which requires immediate efficiency, efficiency in future, external success. This requires combination of the moral freshness of youth and the political sagacity of old age. When both old men and young men are employed,young men will learn from their elders and will themselves grow older and thus have the advantages of old age also.

In this essay Bacon brings to light an important fact about young people. He gives examples from ancient history to illustrate this view. He points out that youth sometimes fails to fulfill its early promise. There are some, who have an early maturity, but their powers also fail early and then they do not justify their promise. This happened with Hermogenes, the rhetorician, who lost all his mental powers by the time he was twenty-five year old. Secondly, there are persons who have some natural qualities, which are more becoming in youth than in age like Hortensius. He had a florid, passionate style. In oratory this style suited him better as a young man than when he was old. He remained the same even in his old age. Then there are those who begin with very high standards but are unable through a long period of years to maintain themselves at the height of greatness, which they have reached. This was the case with Scipio Africanus, the conqueror of Hanibal at Zama in 201 B.C. Scipio’s early career in Spain and Africa was very brilliant. At the time of his great victory in Zama he was only thirty-five years of age. His later career in Asia Minor was not so brilliant.

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INDEX OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG WORKS OF FRANCIS BACON

Compiled by david widger.

Click on the ## before many of the titles to view a linked table of contents for that volume.

Click on the title itself to open the original online file., tables of contents of volumes, the essays or counsels, civil and moral,, of francis ld. verulam viscount st. albans, francis bacon, bacon's  essays and wisdom  of  the ancients, appendix to essays., the wisdom of the ancients; a series of mythological fables., novum organum, by lord bacon, edited by joseph devey, bacon is shake-speare, by sir edwin durning-lawrence, promus of fourmes and elegancyes by francis bacon, collated by f.b. bickley, and f.a. herbert, bacon is shakespeare., promus of fourmes and elegancyes by francis bacon., valerius terminus: of the interpretation of nature, by francis bacon.

Essay Of Youth And Age

Essay Of Youth And Age by Francis Bacon

A MAN that is young in years, may be old in hours, if he have lost no time. But that happeneth rarely. Generally, youth is like the first cogitations, not so wise as the second. For there is a youth in thoughts, as well as in ages. And yet the invention of young men, is more lively than that of old; and imaginations stream into their minds better, and, as it were, more divinely. Natures that have much heat, and great and violent desires and perturbations, are not ripe for action, till they have passed the meridian of their years; as it was with Julius Caesar and Septimius Severus. Of the latter, of whom it is said, Juventutem egit erroribus, imo furoribus, plenam. And yet he was the ablest emperor, almost, of all the list. But reposed natures may do well in youth. As it is seen in Augustus Caesar, Cosmus Duke of Florence, Gaston de Foix, and others. On the other side, heat and vivacity in age, is an excellent composition for business. Young men are fitter to invent, than to judge; fitter for execution, than for counsel; and fitter for new projects, than for settled business. For the experience of age, in things that fall within the compass of it, directeth them; but in new things, abuseth them.

The errors of young men, are the ruin of business; but the errors of aged men, amount but to this, that more might have been done, or sooner. Young men, in the conduct and manage of actions, embrace more than they can hold; stir more than they can quiet; fly to the end, without consideration of the means and degrees; pursue some few principles, which they have chanced upon absurdly; care not to innovate, which draws unknown inconveniences; use extreme remedies at first; and, that which doubleth all errors, will not acknowledge or retract them; like an unready horse, that will neither stop nor turn. Men of age object too much, consult too long, adventure too little, repent too soon, and seldom drive business home to the full period, but content themselves with a mediocrity of success. Certainly it is good to compound employments of both; for that will be good for the present, because the virtues of either age, may correct the defects of both; and good for succession, that young men may be learners, while men in age are actors; and, lastly, good for extern accidents, because authority followeth old men, and favor and popularity, youth. But for the moral part, perhaps youth will have the pre-eminence, as age hath for the politic. A certain rabbin, upon the text, Your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams, inferreth that young men, are admitted nearer to God than old, because vision, is a clearer revelation, than a dream. And certainly, the more a man drinketh of the world, the more it intoxicateth; and age doth profit rather in the powers of understanding, than in the virtues of the will and affections. There be some, have an over-early ripeness in their years, which fadeth betimes. These are, first, such as have brittle wits, the edge whereof is soon turned; such as was Hermogenes the rhetorician, whose books are exceeding subtle; who afterwards waxed stupid. A second sort, is of those that have some natural dispositions which have better grace in youth, than in age; such as is a fluent and luxuriant speech; which becomes youth well, but not age: so Tully saith of Hortensius, Idem manebat, neque idem decebat. The third is of such, as take too high a strain at the first, and are magnanimous, more than tract of years can uphold. As was Scipio Africanus, of whom Livy saith in effect, Ultima primis cedebant.

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The Essays of Francis Bacon/XLII Of Youth and Age

XLII. Of Youth and Age.

A man that is young in years may be old in hours, if he have lost no time. But that happeneth rarely. Generally, youth is like the first cogitations, not so wise as the second. For there is a youth in thoughts, as well as in ages. And yet the invention of young men is more lively than that of old; and imaginations stream into their minds better, and as it were more divinely. Natures that have much heat and great and violent desires and perturbations, are not ripe for action till they have passed the meridian of their years; as it was with Julius Cæsar, and Septimius Severus. Of the latter of whom it is said, ' ​ Juventutem egit erroribus, imo furoribus, plenam. [1] And yet he was the ablest emperor, almost, of all the list. But reposed [2] natures may do well in youth. As it is seen in Augustus Cæsar, Cosmus Duke of Florence, Gaston de Fois, [3] and others. On the other side, heat and vivacity in age is an excellent composition [4] for business. Young men are fitter to invent than to judge; fitter for execution than for counsel; and fitter for new projects than for settled business. For the experience of age, in things that fall within the compass of it, directeth them; but in new things, abuseth [5] them. The errors of young men are the ruin of business; but the errors of aged men amount but to this, that more might have been done, or sooner. Young men, in the conduct and manage [6] of actions, embrace more than they can hold; stir more than they can quiet; fly to the end, without consideration of the means and degrees; pursue some few principles which they have chanced ​ upon absurdly; care [7] not to innovate, which draws unknown inconveniences; use extreme remedies at first; and that which doubleth all errors, will not acknowledge or retract them; like an unready horse, that will neither stop nor turn. Men of age object too much, consult too long, adventure too little, repent too soon, and seldom drive business home to the full period, [8] but content themselves with a mediocrity of success. Certainly it is good to compound employments of both; for that will be good for the present, because the virtues of either age may correct the defects of both; and good for succession, that young men may be learners, while men in age are actors; and, lastly, good for extern [9] accidents, because authority followeth old men, and favour and popularity youth. But for the moral part, perhaps youth will have the pre-eminence, as age hath for the politic. A certain rabbin, upon the text, Your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams, [10] inferreth that young men are admitted nearer to God than old, because vision is a clearer revelation than a dream. And certainly, the more a man drinketh of the world, the more it intoxicateth: and age doth profit [11] rather in the powers of understanding, than in the virtues of the will and affections. There be some have an over-early ​ ripeness in their years, which fadeth betimes. These are, first, such as have brittle wits, the edge whereof is soon turned; such as was Hermogenes [12] the rhetorician, whose books are exceeding subtle; who afterwards waxed stupid. A second sort is of those that have some natural dispositions which have better grace in youth than in age; such as is a fluent and luxuriant speech; which becomes youth well, but not age: so Tully saith of Hortensius, [13] Idem manebat, neque idem decebat. [14] The third is of such as take too high a strain at the first, and are magnanimous more than tract [15] of years can uphold. As was Scipio Africanus, [16] of whom Livy [17] saith in effect, Ultima primis cedebant. [18] ​

• ↑ He spent his youth in errors, nay rather, it was full of madnesses. Quoted with variations. "Juventam plenam furorum, nonnunquam et criminum habuit." Aelius Spartianus. Life of Septimius Severus, Caput 2, in Augustae Historiae Scriptores.
• ↑ Reposed. Calm.
• ↑ Gaston de Fois, Duc de Nemours, 1489–1512, son of Jean de Fois, Vicomte de Narbonne and of Marie d'Orléans, sister of Louis XII., a celebrated French general. He commanded the French armies in Italy against the Spaniards, and was killed in the battle of Ravenna, in 1512.
• ↑ Composition. Temperament.

"The Devil hath power T' assume a pleasing shape; yea, and perhaps, Out of my weakness and my melancholy,— As he is very potent with such spirits,— Abuses me to damn me."

Shakspere. Hamlet. ii. 2.

"I commit into your hands The husbandry and manage of my house."

Shakspere. The Merchant of Venice. iii. 4.

• ↑ Care not to innovate, are not careful how they innovate, that is to say, young men are incautious, heedless.
• ↑ Period. Completion.
• ↑ Extern. External.
• ↑ "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions." Joel ii. 28.
• ↑ Profit. To improve. "Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all." I. Timothy iv. 15.
• ↑ Hermogenes, of Tarsus, in Cilicia, lived in the second half of the second century, A.D. He was a noted Greek rhetorician, and is said to have lost his memory at the age of twenty-five.
• ↑ Quintus Hortensius, 114–50 B.C. , an eminent Roman orator and contemporary of Cicero, who said of him: " Sed quum iam honores et ilia senior auctoritas gravius quiddam requireret, remanebat idem nec decebat idem ." Marcus Tullius Cicero. Brutus. Caput 95.
• ↑ He remained the same, but the same was no longer becoming. Vivacity which increases with age is little short of folly. La vivacité qui augmente en vieillissant ne va pas loin de la folie. Maximes et Réflexions Morales du duc de La Rochefoucauld. 416.

"My fancies all be fledde: And tract of time begins to weave, Gray heares upon my hedde."

Tottel's Miscellany. The aged lover renounceth love. Thomas Lord Vaux. This is the ballad from which Shakspere took the gravedigger's song in Hamlet. v. 1.

• ↑ Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus Major, 234–183 (?) B.C. , a great Roman general, who defeated the Carthaginians under Hannibal in the battle of Zama, 202 B.C.
• ↑ Titus Livius, 59 B.C. to 17 A.D. , a great Roman historian. He wrote a history of Rome, from the founding of the city to tho death of the Roman general Nero Claudius Drusus, brother of Tiberius, 9 B.C. The work consisted of 142 books, of which 35 are extant, 1–10, and 21–45.

"Coepisti melius, quam desinis : ultima primis Cedunt:"

P. Ovidii Nasonis Heroides. Epistola IX. Deianira Herculi. 23–24. "Alonso of Arragon was wont to say, in commendation of age, That age appeared to be best in four things: Old wood to burn; old wine to drink; old friends to trust; and old authors to read." Bacon. Apophthegmes New and Old. 97 (75).

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Of Youth and Age by Francis Bacon

A MAN that is young in years may be old in hours, if he have lost no time. But that happeneth rarely. Generally, youth is like the first cogitations, not so wise as the second. For there is a youth in thoughts, as well as in ages. And yet the invention of young men is more lively than that of old; and imaginations stream into their minds better, and as it were more divinely. Natures that have much heat and great and violent desires and perturbations are not ripe for action till they have passed the meridian of their years; as it was with Julius Cæsar and Septimius Severus. Of the latter of whom it is said, Juventutem egit erroribus, imo furoribus, plenam [He passed a youth full of errors, yea of madnesses]. And yet he was the ablest emperor, almost, of all the list. But reposed natures may do well in youth. As it is seen in Augustus Cæsar, Cosmus Duke of Florence, Gaston de Foix, and others. On the other side, heat and vivacity in age is an excellent composition for business. Young men are fitter to invent than to judge; fitter for execution than for counsel; and fitter for new projects than for settled business. For the experience of age, in things that fall within the compass of it, directeth them; but in new things, abuseth 1 them. The errors of young men are the ruin of business; but the errors of aged men amount but to this, that more might have been done, or sooner. Young men, in the conduct and manage of actions, embrace more than they can hold; stir more than they can quiet; fly to the end, without consideration of the means and degrees; pursue some few principles which they have chanced upon absurdly; care not to 2 innovate, which draws unknown inconveniences; use extreme remedies at first; and that which doubleth all errors will not acknowledge or retract them; like an unready 3 horse, that will neither stop nor turn. Men of age object too much, consult too long, adventure too little, repent too soon, and seldom drive business home to the full period, 4 but content themselves with a mediocrity of success. Certainly it is good to compound employments of both; for that will be good for the present, because the virtues of either age may correct the defects of both; and good for succession, that young men may be learners, while men in age are actors; and, lastly, good for extern accidents, because authority followeth old men, and favor and popularity youth. But for the moral part, perhaps youth will have the pre-eminence, as age hath for the politic. A certain rabbin, upon the text, Your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams, inferreth that young men are admitted nearer to God than old, because vision is a clearer revelation than a dream. And certainly, the more a man drinketh of the world, the more it intoxicateth; and age doth profit rather in the powers of understanding, than in the virtues of the will and affections. There be some have an over-early ripeness in their years, which fadeth betimes. These are, first, such as have brittle wits, the edge whereof is soon turned; such as was Hermogenes the rhetorician, whose books are exceeding subtle; who afterwards waxed stupid. A second sort is of those that have some natural dispositions which have better grace in youth than in age; such as is a fluent and luxuriant speech; which becomes youth well, but not age: so Tully saith of Hortensius, Idem manebat, neque idem decebat [He continued the same, when the same was not becoming]. The third is of such as take too high a strain at the first, and are magnanimous more than tract of years can uphold. As was Scipio Africanus, of whom Livy saith in effect, Ultima primis cedebant [His last actions were not equal to his first].

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Of Youth and Age by Francis Bacon | Complete Summary

Francis Bacon Of Youth and Age Summary

In the essay, “ Of Youth and Age “, Francis Bacon finds out the difference between the nature and characteristics of the youth and aged person. A man who is young in age may have a mature mind if he devotes all his time of acquire knowledge and experience. But such case is seldom seen. Naturally, young men are not so ‘prudent and sagacious like the old men, but they have a more inventive and more active mind which aged persons fail to have. Imaginations flow better into the minds of youths.

Some illogical and unbridled natures of youth age prevent the young men to do properly. So, a young man becomes suitable for action when he reaches at the middle age. Julius Caesar was this type of man whose great achievements in life were done in mature age. The same happened to Septimius Severus, the Roman Emperor, who spent a youth full of errors. But when he grew older, he became the ablest emperor.

Young men of calm and quiet nature however, may do much well even in their early age. Examples of such kind of man may be made of Augustus Caesar , the first Roman Emperor, Cosmus, governor of Florence, and Gaston de Fois, one of Charlemagne’s Knights. All of them became famous in their youth. If an old man has energy and liveliness in his disposition, he can achieve the summit of success in business because warm spirit and vivacity act excellently for business

Young men are more fickle minded than the old men. Young men are, therefore, more competent to invent than to judge, more fit for action than for consultation and more suitable to establish new projects than to deal with old business which has been already set up. But, in comparison with them, old men are not suitable to take up new projects because the experiences of an old man assist him to carry on his old business but misguide him in new project of which he has no experience. The errors done by young men bring ultimate ruin in business, but the errors done by aged persons make delay in progress because old men can, somehow, manage their mistakes.

The men of young age do everything thoughtlessly and illogically driven by emotion. They hold more projects than they can actually achieve. They rush to attain the end without finishing the intermediary steps and various considerable stages. They depend whole heartedly on some few principles which they have gained by-chance. Young men are not careful to invent something new which will give him troubles. They use so many methods without taking a trial of them at first. Moreover, they neither acknowledge their mistakes, nor restrain the errors.

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The old men have some different sides of their nature. They complain and object too much on a proposed project. They consult for long and hesitate to take any risk. Yet they have no patience to continue their business till the end because they become satisfied with little profit. But it will be the best if the project or business consists of both old and young employees. In such case, the virtues of both will help to check the defects of both. Not only that, for the time being, the young men will learn a good deal from the experience of the old. The combined business will achieve the great success for another reason : authority will come from the old man, and favour and popularity from the young.

In one respect young men are superior to the old people. Young people can observe visions, while old men dream so much. Therefore, as the young men are capable of discerning visions, they reach nearer to God than the old men. It is because visions are sublime, infinite and celestial, but the dreams are terrestrial, limited within the brief span. The more a man gathers experience of this world, the more he will be worldly and wise in his outlook. Thus, the aged people have more the power of understanding than the power of will and affections which young people retain.

There are some persons who gain maturity before reaching at their mature age, but they soon decline to be dull headed, just like the metal of good edge that becomes soon blunt. Such was the ancient rhetorician, Hermogenes who in his early life wrote subtle books, but he, in his later age lost the power of creation and became stupid. Then, there are some people whose natural dispositions have better grace in youth than in old age. Hortensius belonged to this class of men. He did not change, but a change would have become him. The people belonging to the third category are those who undertake a very elevated attitude at first, but they cannot maintain it till the last. Such type of man was Scipio Alliricanus, the Roman general, whose end was inferior to the beginning.

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Of Youth and Old Age – Summary and Solved Questions

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Of Youth and Old Age

The essay ‘Of Youth and Old Age’ is one of the most popular essays of Lord Bacon. In this essay Bacon presents a comparative study of the nature of youth age and old age. He says that both the stages of life have their own merits and demerits. Bacon is of the view that the compounding of the characteristics of young age and old age can help in getting success especially in business.

Bacon first describes the drawbacks of youth. He says that although a young man may attain more experience than many old men, it is rare. Generally young people have certain shortcomings in them. He says that youth is liable to foolish thoughts. The errors of youth often prove fatal. It is because of certain characteristic weaknesses of youth such as attempting too much thinking only about the end, ignoring the means, holding on to imperfect principles, reckless innovations, extreme remedies and reluctance to acknowledge errors. Describing the merits of youth Bacon says that youth has lively invention and imagination. Though youth is not so well fit to judge or deliberate, it is fitter to invent and execute. A man that is young in years may be old in hours, if he has lost no time. Young men have a moral freshness, which the old lack in. They are full of adventures and would not tolerate partial success. They are better capable of taking immediate decisions. Thus young people have many advantages over old people.

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Describing the drawbacks of old age Bacon says “Men of age object too much, consult too long, adventure too little, repent too soon and seldom drive business home to the full period, but content themselves with a mediocrity of success.” While describing the merits of old age he says that old men are more experienced than the young men and they are guided in their action by their experience. But they are less imaginative, they argue too much, consult too long, are less adventurous, repent too soon and seldom push an affair right through the end. Even a little success satisfies them.

According to Bacon the wise course is the course of golden mean. He advises that the merits of both young and old men should be employed in business which requires immediate efficiency, efficiency in future, external success. This requires combination of the moral freshness of youth and the political sagacity of old age. When both old men and young men are employed, young men will learn from their elders and will themselves grow older and thus have the advantages of old age also.

In this essay Bacon brings to light an important fact about young people. He gives examples from ancient history to illustrate this view. He points out that youth sometimes fails to fulfill its early promise. There are some, who have an early maturity, but their powers also fail early and then they do not justify their promise. This happened with Hermogenes, the rhetorician, who lost-all his mental powers by the time he was twenty-five year old. Secondly, there are persons who have some natural qualities, which are more becoming in youth than in age like Hortensius. He had a florid, passionate style. In oratory this style suited him better as a young man than when he was old. He remained the same even in his old age. Then there are those who begin with very high standards but are unable through a long period of years to maintain themselves at the height of greatness, which they have reached. This was the case with Scipio Africanus, the conqueror of Hanibal at Zama in 201 B.C. Scipio’s early career in Spain and Africa was very brilliant. At the time of his great victory in Zama he was only thirty-five years of age. His later career in Asia Minor was not so brilliant.

Some Model Explanations

(a) A man that is young in years may be old in hours, if he has lost no time. But that happenth rarely. Generally youth is like the first cogitations, not so wise as the second. For there is a youth in thoughts as well as in ages. And yet the invention of young man is more lively than that of the old, and imaginations stream into their minds better, and as it were more divinely.

Explanation : In these lines Bacon says that a man who does not waste time may gain a lot of experience even in young age. A man who utilizes all his time becomes more experienced than his age. But such men are found rarely. Bacon compares age with thoughts and finds that young age is like the first preliminary thoughts which cannot be so wise as the second thoughts i.e. the matured thoughts which we find in old age. Meditation improves our ideas. The reason behind it is that young age is as much mental as physical. Young men are not able to think wisely. And yet, the new thoughts and views of young men are more lifelike than those of old people. The imaginative ideas flow in the minds of the young men an they are driven by divine inspiration. They flow fast and young people act fast.

(b) Young men are fitter to invent than to judge; fitter for execution than for counsel and fitter for new projects than for settled business. For the experience of age, in things that fall within the compass of it directeth them; but in new things, abuseth them.

Questions and Answers

(a) Answer the following questions in two-three lines each:

i) Why do the errors of young men often prove fatal? Answer: The errors of young men often prove fatal because they undertake more than they can carry through. They want to achieve their aims hurriedly without considering their means. They are rash and use extreme remedies at the very beginning and are unwilling to acknowledge their errors.

ii) What are the general merits and demerits of the old age? Answer: The old men are more experienced than the young men and their actions are guided by their experiences. Old men argue too much, consult too long, are not adventurous, repent too soon and are less imaginative. They are satisfied with little success.

iii) “Certainly, it is good to compound employments of both…” Why? Answer:Bacon says it is good to compound the qualities of both youth and old age because this combination will be good for the present, future and exernal affairs. Old men take decisions in matters which they understand whereas young men are rash so the young men may learn what to do from old men.

iv) Who are those young men who fail to fulfill their promise? Answer: The young men who fail to fulfill their promise are the ones whose wits are weak. Those young men also fail who begin with a high standard and are unable through a long period of years to maintain themselves at the height of greatness, which they have reached.

(b) Answer to the following question should not exceed 300 words.

(I) What are the basic qualities of youth? Compare the qualities of youth with old age.

Answer : Bacon has described certain basic qualities of youth. First of all he says that youth is like first thoughts which are not so good as second thoughts. Young age is a mental as a well as a physical state. Young men are more imaginative. Ideas flow in the minds of young men as they are inspired by divine inspiration. Young men are fit to invent than to judge. They undertake

new projects than the settled business. Young men in the management of actions accept more burdens than they can carry through. They act inconsiderately. They try to achieve their aims hurriedly. Young men do not acknowledge their mistakes. Thus they are like a badly trained horse which neither stops nor turns. Bacon compares the different qualities of youth and old age. Youth is the first cogitation while the old age is the second one, therefore more wise. Young men are fit to invent, to execute whereas old men are apt to judge and to advise. Old men are not for adventure , on the other hand, young men are adventurous. Old men have the influence while young men have the popularity. Young men give preference to moral principles while old men care little for moral principles and are more clever and prudent. Young men are nearer to God than old.

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Youth and Age

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Verse , a breeze mid blossoms straying, Where Hope clung feeding, like a bee— Both were mine! Life went a-maying With Nature, Hope, and Poesy, When I was young! When I was young?—Ah, woful When! Ah! for the change ‘twixt Now and Then! This breathing house not built with hands, This body that does me grievous wrong, O’er aery cliffs and glittering sands, How lightly then it flashed along:— Like those trim skiffs, unknown of yore, On winding lakes and rivers wide, That ask no aid of sail or oar, That fear no spite of wind or tide! Nought cared this body for wind or weather When Youth and I lived in’t together. Flowers are lovely; Love is flower-like; Friendship is a sheltering tree; O! the joys, that came down shower-like, Of Friendship, Love, and Liberty, Ere I was old! Ere I was old? Ah woeful Ere, Which tells me, Youth’s no longer here! O Youth! for years so many and sweet, ‘Tis known, that Thou and I were one, I’ll think it but a fond conceit — It cannot be that Thou art gone! Thy vesper-bell hath not yet toll’d:— And thou wert aye a masker bold! What strange disguise hast now put on, To make believe, that thou are gone? I see these locks in silvery slips, This drooping gait, this altered size: But Spring -tide blossoms on thy lips, And tears take sunshine from thine eyes! Life is but thought: so think I will That Youth and I are house-mates still. Dew-drops are the gems of morning, But the tears of mournful eve! Where no hope is, life’s a warning That only serves to make us grieve, When we are old: That only serves to make us grieve With oft and tedious taking-leave, Like some poor nigh-related guest, That may not rudely be dismist; Yet hath outstay’d his welcome while, And tells the jest without the smile.

Summary of Youth and Age

• Popularity of “Youth and Age”: The phenomenal poem “You and Age” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, a renowned English romantic poet, first appeared in 1832 though some of the lines took almost seven to five years to write. The poem laments the passing of the youth period and welcomes old age with a heavy heart. The beauty of the poem not only lies in its celebration of the youth but also in the extreme sadness of old age, with melody syncing both. The popularity of the poem lies in this comparative presentation of both ages.
• “Youth And Age” As a Representative of Old Age and Youth : The poet presents himself as the speaker of the poem to compare old age with the youthful period that is full of hope, fun, and excitement after stating that he used to love nature, be hopeful and write poetry when he was young. However, the change comes fast after he has become old, and now he is fearful of everything that he used to love at a young age. He states that at that time, nature, friendship, and enjoyments were his motto , and he used to take youth as his companion. However, now that companion has left him, making him old to see his “silvery locks.” At a young age, he used to be entwined with the youth as both were almost mates. Now in old age, when nothing is with him, even having no hope seems to him a warning that he could leave this world at any time. The poet, in fact, laments the loss of his youth and mourns the arrival of old age.
• Major Themes in “Youth and Age”: Youth and old age, the excitement of young age, and love for nature and poetry are major thematic strands of this poem. The poem presents youth in the very first stanza , saying that he and his youth were friends and both enjoyed it very much. They were highly adventurous, living among nature and writing poetry. However, since the arrival of old age, the scene has changed. Now he is no more that young and hence no more agile and happy. The excitement of the youthful period has entirely left him. He has drooping eyes and no hope, which seems to him a warning that he could die at any time. However, both nature and poetry were his first loves during his youth. He used to enjoy both, but old age only grieves him.

Analysis of Literary Devices Used in Youth and Age

Samuel Taylor Coleridge used various literary devices to enhance the intended impact of his poem. Some of the major literary devices used in this poem are as follows.

• Apostrophe : It means to call some dead person or abstract idea. In this poem, the poet uses an apostrophe to call his youthful period, depicting it as a personification , such as “O! the joy” and “O Youth!”
• Assonance : Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in the same line, such as the sound of /a and i/ in “O’er aery cliffs and glittering sands”, and the sound of /a/ and /o/ in “Flowers are lovely; Love is flower-like.”
• Alliteration : Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds in the same line in quick succession, such as the sound of /t/ in “ tears take” or “tedious taking-leave.”
• Consonance : Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds in the same line, such as the sound of /t/ in “With oft and tedious taking-leave” and the sound of /d and g/ in “Dew-drops are the gems of morning.”
• Enjambment : It is defined as a thought in verse that does not come to an end at a line break ; rather, it rolls over to the next line. For example;

And tears take sunshine from thine eyes! Life is but thought: so think I will That Youth and I are house-mates still.

• Imagery : Imagery is used to make readers perceive things involving their five senses. For example, “This breathing house not built with hands”, “How lightly then it flashed along” and “Thy vesper-bell hath not yet toll’d.”
• Metaphor : It is a figure of speech in which an implied comparison is made between objects that are different in nature. The poet has used several metaphors for the youthful period and old age, such as;
• Where youth clung feeding
• Life went a-maying
• This breathing house
• How lightly then it flashed along
• When Youth and I lived
• Friendship is a sheltering tree
• Life is but thought
• Dew drops are gems of morning
• Simile : It means to show a direct comparison of things such as “like those trim skiffs” or “Love is flower-like” or “some poor nigh-related guest.”
• Symbolism : Symbolism is using symbols to signify ideas and qualities, giving them symbolic meanings that are different from the literal meanings. The poem shows symbols like false praise, realization, truthfulness, and hope.

Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in Youth And Age

Poetic and literary devices are the same, but a few are used only in poetry. Here is an analysis of some of the poetic devices used in this poem.

• End Rhyme : End rhyme is used to make the stanza melodious. Samuel Taylor Coleridge has used end rhyme in this poem, such as “staying / a-maying” and “bee/poesy” or “When/then.”
• Repetitions: It means to repeat words, phrases , or verses for the impact, such as “When I was young” or Ere I was old.”
• Rhetorical Question : This is a type of question posed to stress a point and not to respond. The poem shows the use of rhetorical questions in several places, such as “Ere I was old?” and “When I was young?”
• Rhyme Scheme : The poem follows different rhyme schemes in different stanzas, such as in the first, it shows ABABC and then in the second, it shows AABCBCDEDEFF and so on.
• Stanza : A stanza is a poetic form of some lines. There are five stanzas in this poem, with each having a different number of verses.

Quotes to be Used

The following lines are useful to quote to show the impact of old age and its problems.

But the tears of mournful eve! Where no hope is, life’s a warning That only serves to make us grieve, When we are old: That only serves to make us grieve

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A Captivating Summary of ‘Youth and Age’ by S. T. Coleridge

Discover the timeless wisdom of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s thought-provoking essay, ‘Youth and Age’. In this captivating summary, we delve into the profound insights that Coleridge offers on the contrasting experiences and perspectives of youth and age. As we navigate the complexities of life, it is crucial to understand the transformative power of time and its impact on our perceptions. Coleridge eloquently explores the joys and challenges of youth, the wisdom and reflection that come with age, and the delicate balance between the two. Drawing on his own experiences and observations, Coleridge’s words resonate with readers of all ages, provoking contemplation and inspiring a deeper appreciation for the journey of life. Whether you are a young soul seeking guidance or a seasoned individual reflecting on your own existence, ‘Youth and Age’ will leave you enlightened and empowered to embrace the ever-changing dynamics of time. Join us as we unlock Coleridge’s profound insights and embark on a transformative literary journey.

Summary of ‘Youth and Age’:

‘Youth and Age,’ authored by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, is a contemplative poem that delves into the contrasting experiences and perspectives of these two pivotal stages of life. Through its evocative imagery and introspective language, the poem presents the musings of a speaker who, in his youth, reveled in a carefree and adventurous life. He nostalgically recounts how he once embraced the liberty of exploring winding lakes and rivers, untouched by concerns of wind or weather. However, as time has progressed, the speaker acknowledges that life is essentially a product of thought, and he chooses to believe that his youthful spirit persists within him, despite the inevitable physical changes that come with age.

Analysis of Key Themes in ‘Youth and Age’:

The poem delves into several interconnected themes, most notably time, memory, and the dualities of youth and old age. It contemplates the passage of time and the transformative nature it brings to the physical self, offering a poignant contrast between the unburdened nature of youth and the reflective wisdom that accompanies aging. The concept of continuity through memory is also palpable as the speaker’s recollections bridge the gap between the two stages of life. Furthermore, the poem prompts readers to engage with the nature of human existence and the profound connection between one’s youthful spirit and the realities of growing older.

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Literary Devices Used in ‘Youth and Age’:

Coleridge masterfully employs vivid imagery to evoke a tangible sense of the natural world and the speaker’s past experiences. For instance, the phrase “winding lakes and rivers wide” paints a vivid picture of the landscapes that once epitomized the speaker’s youth. The use of personification is evident in the line “Nought cared this body for wind or weather,” imbuing the body with human-like attributes and effectively emphasizing the juxtaposition between the physical aging process and the persistent youthful spirit within. Additionally, the stark contrast between “Youth and I” serves to accentuate the central theme of the poem, highlighting the speaker’s yearning to bridge the gap between the past and the present.

Historical and Cultural Context of ‘Youth and Age’:

‘Youth and Age’ was written during the Romantic era, a literary epoch characterized by a profound reverence for nature, introspection, and individual experiences. The poem seamlessly aligns with the era’s broader exploration of human emotions and life’s existential questions. As an exemplar of Romantic literature, the poem mirrors Coleridge’s personal contemplations on the passage of time and aging, a recurring topic that resonated with many poets of the period.

Comparison of ‘Youth and Age’ with Other Works by S. T. Coleridge:

Coleridge’s recurring themes of nature, memory, and the intricate facets of human experience are palpable throughout his poetry, thus situating ‘Youth and Age’ within the continuum of his literary contributions. This poem shares thematic similarities with his other introspective pieces, including ‘Frost at Midnight’ and ‘Dejection: An Ode.’ These works collectively showcase Coleridge’s mastery in capturing complex emotions through vivid imagery and contemplative language.

Interpretation and Personal Reflections on ‘Youth and Age’:

‘Youth and Age’ serves as an invitation for readers to engage in introspection, pondering their own experiences of aging and the enduring qualities of their youthful selves. It artfully suggests that despite the inevitable physical changes that accompany the passage of time, one’s spirit, memories, and overall outlook on life remain intricately connected to their past. The poem ignites a sense of empathy in readers, as they relate to the speaker’s yearning to reconcile the vibrancy of his youth with the reflective demeanor of old age.

Impact and Legacy of ‘Youth and Age’:

The timeless and universal themes explored in ‘Youth and Age’ continue to resonate with readers, cementing its status as a literary work that transcends temporal and cultural boundaries. The poem’s intrinsic ability to encapsulate the multifaceted human experience and to evoke contemplation makes it a notable contribution to Coleridge’s body of work.

Recommended Further Reading on S. T. Coleridge and ‘Youth and Age’:

For those intrigued by Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s literary endeavors, a comprehensive exploration of his works, including his celebrated collaboration with William Wordsworth in ‘Lyrical Ballads,’ can offer a broader perspective on his contributions. Additionally, delving into Coleridge’s letters and essays provides valuable insights into his musings on poetry, philosophy, and the intricacies of existence.

Conclusion:

‘Youth and Age,’ penned by S. T. Coleridge, emerges as a contemplative masterpiece that bridges the divide between two significant phases of human life. Through its exploration of memory, the passage of time, and the enduring nature of the human spirit, the poem prompts readers to engage in introspection and recognize the continuum of their past, present, and future selves. Its impact lies in its ability to transcend temporal boundaries, inviting individuals from various walks of life to reflect on the essence of existence and the interconnectedness of their journey. In this way, ‘Youth and Age’ maintains its enduring relevance and continues to be a beacon of insight into the intricacies of the human experience.

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Essay on youth and age 2 Models

An essay on youth and age is an important article, so we will present 500 words about this interesting topic.

As for talking about youth, it’s an interesting conversation. Students at all educational levels should learn how to write paragraphs and sentences on youth and age.

Below we will provide easy sentences to be used in writing essay on youth and age. This topic is suitable for all educational levels.

Essay on youth and age

We will talk in our essay on youth and age about the importance of every stage in life. When a person is born, he is a small child who is unable to do anything for himself or for others. For this, he needs the presence of the father and the mother. Every parent has an essential role in a child’s life. The father must work hard to provide the child with the necessary requirements such as food, clothes and medicine.

The importance of the mother

As for the mother, she must be beside the child to feed him and take care of his hygiene. The mother is the one who follows the child day and night and teaches him how to rely on himself and how to deal with the outside world.

With time, the child begins to rely on himself in some simple matters.

What is the importance of the youth stage?

The stage of youth is the most important stage in a person’s life, where he is able to do whatever he wants to do without being prevented by illness or frustration.

Therefore, young people must realize that this age is the most active  period of our lives. Therefore, it must be used correctly.

How do we use our youth properly?

In order for a person to use his youthful years properly, he must know that these are the years in which he must go out of the house to learn new things every day. He should not spend his time sleeping or playing, so as not to waste these years without using them properly.

As for work, there is no more suitable age for work than the youth stage. This is due to a person’s ability to go out and stand for long hours. In youth, a person possesses great physical strength, as he is able to endure and continue difficult work.

Why do young people waste their lives on bad things?

Unfortunately, most young people do not appreciate the importance of their youthful years, and on the contrary, they work to waste them on useless matters. Some of them smoke cigarettes and take drugs. These bad substances cause serious diseases after several years, which infect them with disability or death.

The main reason for the wrong behaviors in the youth stage is that the young man is ignorant of the seriousness of his actions and does not know what he will suffer from when he grows old.

Some young people suffer from psychological problems that make them escape from confronting them by using drugs.

What is the lesson that we learn only after we grow up?

Unfortunately, there are things we don’t learn until we get old and lose our youthful years forever. One of these things is that we spend our youth sleeping and not working. Which makes a person suffer when he gets old from poverty.

Some people suffer ill effects from things they did in their youth. Including smoking, which destroys the body and makes a person suffer when he gets old.

The value of health is known only to the person who has advanced in age and suffered the effects of his harmful actions.

Is getting old a bad thing?

Aging is inevitable. And it is not a bad thing if a person lives his childhood and youth correctly. In childhood, the child must feel tenderness and love from parents and society. He must play and have fun freely.

As for the youth, he must learn skills that will benefit him and qualify him to find suitable work. After he learns, he must go out to work in order to achieve a good position among the members of society. After that, he must build a small house and start a family. These stages make aging a fun, not a bad thing.

Is there a way to not feel old?

If you don’t want to feel old, you must keep your heart young. Meaning not to let the worries of life rob you of your happiness. When a person lives many years in his life, he encounters many difficulties and calamities.

If a person can overcome these difficulties while maintaining a sense of humor within him, and maintaining psychological peace, he will not feel old. That is why a person should enjoy from time to time. And does not give in to sadness and isolation from society.

At the end of our journey with an essay on youth and age, we learned about the things that young people should know and keep. We talked about the importance of youth in our lives. Every young man should appreciate these important years in his life and not waste them on unnecessary matters. And that health is the most important thing that a person possesses, and therefore he must maintain it.

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