Cicero's thoughts on old age and "What Old Age Really Is" Dovey's contribution

Cicero discusses the aging process, transformation, and death. From a logical perspective, there is a shift from youth to old age. Cicero focuses on the events that occur during the process by offering philosophical perspectives. The two texts express both identical and contradictory points in relation to Dovey's presentation on "what old age is really like." The main theme of Cicero's text is the transition from youth to old age and death. He compares the behaviors of the youthful stage to those of the old age era. He appeals to the hardships and instabilities that come with old age using satisfying and rational arguments. By basing on his ambitions and capabilities throughout his youthful stage and the inevitabilities in old age, he appeals that there is a transition from youthful stage to old age stage. Dovey also presents what modern society thinks about aging through providing convincing arguments in a convincing way. He argues that the modern society consider aging as a transition process which ends in death. They are therefore displeased while approaching old age due to disadvantages associated with aging. Cicero, however, defends the negative perception of old age people. Through using the philosophical pillars, he responds to the disadvantages logically. He purports that old age people are alleged against the advantages of every human being. Aging as a transition is inescapable; everybody has to pass through it. People should, therefore, dismiss the bad perception of aging and fear of death and embrace it.

Useful info: How much does it cost to hire a custom essay writer?

The idea presented by Cicero and Devoy is appealing as they spick of the truly human life. I agree with the argument that old age is accompanied by physical weakness and inabilities. In fact, no one needs more strength at old age as compared to the youthful stage where an individual is active members of the society. Therefore, it is proportional to the strengths and abilities at old age stage and youthful stage. As such, as people age, they become weaker, and their abilities reduce. As presented by Dovey, in his text, “What Old Age Is Really Like,” people become weaker and that it is the perplexing stage of life to imagine (Dovey, n.p). Similarly, Cicero also supports the idea that nobody requires strength at old age stage as compared to the youthful stage. He depicts the idea through giving his personal life experience since youthful stage. He confesses that he was strong at a youthful stage like a bull elephant as compared to his current stage. He accepts and embraces the transition as he understands the decrease in his strength. However, the modern society’s ideas and perception, as depicted in Dovey’s text, old age is a disgusting stage, and nobody is willing to become of age. As such, the modern idea is that people are afraid of death since aging is believed to be associated with death. Cicero accepts the challenge of aging and argues that people should utilize their energy at the youthful stage and stop the fear of old age. No one should wish to stay young as they should live and enjoy to a maximum at the youthful stage to avoid regrets at an older age. As Cicero argues, you should enjoy the blessings of strength at the youthful stage and bewail it at old age Cicero, p.37). This depicts that life is a transition, with different capabilities at every stage.

In addition, modern idea depicts that aging deprives people of their physical sensation and the human pleasure. According to modern ideas as researched by Dovey, he depicts that there is “negative benchmarks” in relation to aging (Dovey, n.p). As such, aging result to a loss in memory, illness, and reduced sexual activity. In contrary, Cicero challenges this modern perception by arguing that there are different ways of achieving sensual pleasure. In fact, by eating and drinking, you can have more fun and enjoy. Cicero finds eating and enjoying with friends more fun and satisfying. To quote his arguments, “…though it lacks immoderate banquets, may find delight in temperate repasts” (Cicero, p. 53). From this, people do not need sexual pleasure at old age as it is important only at the youthful stage. Therefore, both old age and the young can enjoy various sensations which result in physical pleasure. Conclusively, though there are similar ideas from modern thoughts which relate to the ideas of Cicero, he presents contradicting ideas. This idea challenges the modern perceptions and beliefs about old age. 

Read also: "Where can I find an experienced writer to help me with my dissertation?" - GrabMyEssay has professional writers with different academic backgrounds!

Works Cited

Cicero.On Old Age.2017, Retrieved from:http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/e/roman/texts/cicero/cato_maiorde_senectute/text*.html
Dovey, C. What Old Age Is Really Like, 2015. Retrieved from: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/ cultural-comment/what-old-age-is-really-like