We ought to make haste

We ought to make haste
not only because we are daily nearer to death
but also because, the conception of things
and the understanding of them ceases first

For when he shall begin to fall into Dotage (Oldage)
even if perspiration, nutrition, imagination, and appetite may not fail
the power of making use of ourselves
filling up the measure of duty
clearly separating all appearances

all of this requires a disciplined reasoning
that extinguishes with Age!

so living longer is not the solution
rather make use of the remaining allotted time well -
to comprehend things and for contemplation
to acquire the knowledge of the divine and the human

Authors

Marcus Aurelius