Cicero, using the voice of
Cato the Elder: "You may be sure, my dear Scipio and Laelius, that the
arms best adapted to old age are culture and the active exercise of the
virtues. For if they have been maintained at every period - if one has lived
much as well as long - the harvest they produce is wonderful, not only because
they never fail us even in our last days (though that in itself is supremely
important), but also because the consciousness of a well - spent life and the
recollection of many virtuous actions are exceedingly delightful."
This is a theme that I have
come across more than a few times now while reading the classics. Specifically
on the theme of death, or in this case old age, the ancients constantly harp on
the point that we should look back on our lives and be sure that we are pleased
with what we have done. That is, we must live virtuously and not squandering
our team on amoral pursuits.
So what about you. What are
you doing to prepare for your death? Are you preparing a saving fund? What
about your virtues and your character. Have you also been preparing and
developing that?
