The nearer people approach old age the closer they return to a semblance of childhood, until the time comes for them to depart this life, again like children, neither tired of living nor aware of death.
Desiderius Erasmus’ quote, "The nearer people approach old age the closer they return to a semblance of childhood, until the time comes for them to depart this life, again like children, neither tired of living nor aware of death," explores the cyclical nature of life and aging. Erasmus suggests that as people age, they tend to lose some of the independence and capabilities of adulthood, gradually regressing to a state that resembles the innocence and dependence of childhood. In their final days, they might exhibit characteristics of children, such as a lack of awareness about death and a pure, unreflective engagement with life.
The quote highlights the idea that old age can bring a return to a more vulnerable, childlike state, where individuals might rely on others for care and support, much like a child does. This regression is not necessarily a negative aspect of aging but rather a natural part of the human experience, illustrating the full circle of life. Erasmus emphasizes that the transition from life to death may not always be filled with fear or awareness, as the elderly, much like children, might remain focused on the present and unaware of the inevitable end.
Desiderius Erasmus, a renowned philosopher and theologian of the Renaissance, was known for his writings on human nature and life's paradoxes. His exploration of the human condition often reflected his deep understanding of the interplay between different stages of life, such as youth and old age. This quote is consistent with his philosophical views, emphasizing the fragility of human life and the ways in which individuals experience time.
In essence, Erasmus' quote reflects a profound observation about the symmetry between the beginning and end of life. As people approach old age, they often become more dependent and less aware of the world around them, much like children. This cyclical pattern, where people may end their lives in a similar state to how they started, speaks to the inevitability of the passage of time and the mystery of both life and death. It invites reflection on the transience of human existence and the simplicity with which we may face both the start and the end of our lives.
DSDang Son
Erasmus paints old age as a soft, almost sacred return to beginnings, which is beautiful in theory. But I wonder: how does this apply in modern times, where aging is often medicalized and institutionalized? Does this vision of peaceful unawareness still hold true today, or has our approach to aging and death changed too much? It makes me question whether we've lost touch with the naturalness of life’s full circle.
NHNgoc Hoang
I’m struck by the tenderness in Erasmus’s words. There's a certain peace in the idea that people may not be 'tired of living' or 'aware of death' as they near the end. But it also raises a moral question: how can we best care for those in this stage of life? If the elderly return to a childlike state, should society respond with the same patience, protection, and emotional support we give to children?
TTam
There’s something profound about this observation. It suggests that life doesn’t move in a straight line but rather in a circle—beginning and ending in vulnerability and simplicity. It makes me think: if we become more like children as we age, do we also regain the emotional openness and curiosity that defines childhood? Or is it only the physical and cognitive frailty that mirrors it? It’s a nuanced view of aging I hadn’t considered before.
ZTZann Thu
This quote makes me think of my grandparents. There’s a gentleness in the way Erasmus describes the end of life, like it’s a quiet surrender rather than a tragedy. But part of me wonders if this idea is romanticized. Not everyone experiences old age with serenity—many struggle with pain, fear, or confusion. Does this portrayal gloss over the harsher realities of aging in favor of a more graceful narrative?
PHLe Thị Phuong Hà
I’m fascinated by the suggestion that people near death are unaware of it, much like children unaware of life’s stakes. Is Erasmus proposing a kind of peace in unawareness? If so, is ignorance truly bliss when it comes to mortality? This makes me wonder how self-awareness evolves or fades as we age. Is returning to a ‘childlike’ state a regression—or is it actually a form of transcendence?