To be a social success, do not act pathetic, arrogant, or bored. Do not discuss your unhappy childhood, your visit to the dentist,the shortcomings of your cleaning woman, the state of your bowels, or your spouse's bad habits. You will be thought a paragon (or perhaps a monster) of good behavior.

The aphorism sometimes casts off cynicism and expresses strong feeling.

Later is always my first choice.

Some eras worship infancy; some, the aged. None as yet has adored middle age.

Philosophy likes to keen common sense on the run.

The flesh of past lovers looks both familiar and strange.

As an elder I mistrust the wisdom of age.