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, 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 [126]. 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.