By subscribing to Inspiring Quotes you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Throughout his adulthood, Dublin-born satirist and author Jonathan Swift suffered from an inner ear disorder that resulted in vertigo spells and hearing loss. Meniere’s disease, the culprit, did not receive a name during his lifetime. The uncertainty surrounding his ailment likely spurred Swift to ponder aging when the majority of his years lay ahead of him. In 1699, at age 32, he crafted an amusing list called, “When I Come to Be Old.” Yet this particular quote came later in Swift’s life, appearing in the essay “Thoughts on Various Subjects, Moral and Diverting.” In Swift’s time (like ours), people constantly yearned for their youth. To him, that was a foolish, fruitless impulse. Swift contended that discerning individuals savor the understanding that maturity brings.
13 Hilarious Lines From History’s Funniest Poets
What It Means To Be a Leader, According to U.S. Presidents
Quotes To Help You Mourn and Move Forward From a Relationship
9 Evidence-Based Principles for Living a Longer Life, With Quotes
Quotes To Help You Live a More Spontaneous Life
14 Quotes To Change How You Think About Love
15 Classic Toy Slogans That Will Take You Back To Childhood
15 Quotes To Remind You To Stop and Smell the Flowers
13 Romantic Quotes From Beloved Period Pieces
14 Beautifully Poetic Quotes From William Blake
12 Quotes To Help You Brush Off Little Mistakes