“In youth, what disappointments of our own making: in age, what disappointments from the nature of things.”

— Edward Young, A Vindication of Providence (1728)

About Edward Young

1683 – 1765

English poet, author of "Night Thoughts".

“Less base the fear of death than fear of life.”

“Time wasted is existence, used is life.”

“Amid my list of blessings infinite, stands this the foremost, 'That my heart has bled.'”

“The older I grow, the more I distrust the familiar doctrine that age brings wisdom.”

“The instructions of an old man are precious.”

“Old age deprives the intelligent man only of qualities useless to wisdom.”

“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em.”

“I call upon you, young men, to obey your heart, and be the nobility of this land.”

“The young have exalted notions, because they have not been humbled by life or learned its necessary limitations.”