Full Idea
Old men are prone to pity, but where the young are so from philanthropy, the old are so from weakness, for they think all these things are near for themselves to suffer.
Clarification
'Philanthropy' is desire to help others who are in need
Gist of Idea
The young feel pity from philanthropy, but the old from self-concern
Source
Aristotle (The Art of Rhetoric [c.350 BCE], 1390a18)
Book Reference
Aristotle: 'The Art of Rhetoric', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,H.C. [Penguin 1991], p.176
A Reaction
I am shocked to find Aristotle being so cynical. I see no reason why the old should not be as philanthropic as anyone else, and they clearly are so, as when they plant trees for future generations to enjoy.