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Single Idea 20871

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / A. Wisdom / 2. Wise People]

Full Idea

At the beginning of adolescence when our deliberative capacities are weak we decide on the way of life that we find attractive. So one gets entangled in a definite manner and pattern of life before one is able to judge which one is best.

Gist of Idea

Unfortunately we choose a way of life before we are old enough to think clearly

Source

M. Tullius Cicero (On Duties ('De Officiis') [c.44 BCE], 1.117)

A Reaction

Hence it is important to have lots of means for bailing out of education courses, jobs, and even marriage. At least university postpones the key life choices till the early twenties.

Book Reference

'The Stoics Reader', ed/tr. Inwood,B/Gerson,L.P. [Hackett 2008], p.163