You are young, my son, and, as the years go by, time will change and even reverse many of your present opinions. Refrain therefore awhile from setting yourself up as a judge of the highest matters.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Youthful opinions are often immature and will likely change or reverse as you age. Do not rush to judge profound matters while you are still young.
- In plain terms
- Wait before forming strong judgments on big topics because your views will change as you get older.
- What can you take from it?
- Hesitate to make final judgments on important issues while you are still young.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How have your core beliefs changed since childhood?
- What opinions should you be cautious about judging now?
Another view
This assumes time guarantees wisdom, which is not always true for every individual.
More from Plato
Of all animals, the boy is the most unmanageable.
Permalink to quote #52 Not one of them who took up in his youth with this opinion that there are no gods ever continued until old age faithful to his conviction.
Permalink to quote #54 The greatest penalty of evildoing is to grow into the likeness of bad men.
Permalink to quote #51
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