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About this quote

What does it mean?
The elderly are nearly as self-centered as the very young.
In plain terms
Old people are often very selfish.
What can you take from it?
Selfishness can appear at life's extremes.

Where it applies

  • generational conflict
  • family dynamics
  • psychology

Putting it to work

  • understanding elders
  • family counseling
  • writing about aging

Questions to consider

  • Why do young and old focus on themselves?
  • How does age change empathy?

Another view

Not all older people are selfish.

More from William Makepeace Thackeray

  1. I never know whether to pity or congratulate a man on coming to his senses.

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  2. To endure is greater than to dare; to tire out hostile fortune; to be daunted by no difficulty; to keep heart when all have lost it; to go through intrigue spo…

    Permalink to quote #45
  3. Women like not only to conquer, but to be conquered.

    Permalink to quote #42

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