Wisdom, continued the philosopher, should be mentioned here only as the forerunner which permits us to analyze experience.
It is from this never-ending lesson which life teaches us that the wisdom of old age is learned.
But is it really necessary to reach the point of decrepitude, in order to profit by an experience, actually useless at that time, as is always a posthumous conquest.
"Is it not much better to compel its attainment when the hair is black and the heart capable of hope?
"Why give to old age alone the privileges of wisdom and experience?
"It is high time to combat so profound an error.
"Is it not a cruel irony which renders such a gift useless?
"Of what benefit is wisdom resulting from experience if it cannot preserve us from the unfortunate seduction of youth?
"Why should its beauty be unveiled only to those who can no longer profit by it?" This is the opinion of Yoritomo, who says:
"What would be thought of one who prided himself on possessing bracelets when he had lost his two arms in war?