The old believe everything; the middle-aged suspect everything; the young know everything.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The old trust everything, the middle‑aged doubt everything, the young claim to know everything.
- In plain terms
- Age groups differ in belief and confidence.
- What can you take from it?
- Be aware of generational bias in perception.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do experiences shape these attitudes?
- Can one balance these extremes?
Another view
Individual variation often exceeds age trends.
More from Oscar Wilde
In examinations the foolish ask questions that the wise cannot answer.
Permalink to quote #132 To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance.
Permalink to quote #134 Only the shallow know themselves.
Permalink to quote #131
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