[1] See Aulus Gelius, Macrobius, and Polibius. [↑]
LXVIII
Of a question which a young man proposed to Aristotle
Aristotle was a great philosopher.
There came to him one day a young man with a singular question. Master, he said, I have seen a thing which much displeases my mind. I have seen an old man ripe in years doing wanton follies. Now if the cause of such things be age, [[161]]I have decided to die young. Therefore for the love of God give me counsel, if you can.
Aristotle replied: I cannot do other than tell you that when the nature of man grows old, the good natural heat changes into weakness, while the reasonable virtue fails and alters[1]. For your instruction I will teach you what I can. Do so that in your youth you practice all beautiful, pleasant and honest things, and guard yourself from indulging in what is contrary to these; so when you are old, you will live without evil, not from nature or from reason, but owing to the long pleasant and noble habit you have formed.