How to Grow Old: Ancient Wisdom for the Second Half of Life (Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers)

I loved the simple, clear writing, and the wonderful insights Cicero provides on approaching old age. It is a relative short book, which can be read in one sitting and gives the experience of being in conversation with the narrator. There are no complex philosophical arguments and leaks of faith. Cicero calls out the things about aging that cause dread among people and deftly shows us that there is no need to worry or to be anxious. Instead he highlights the many joys of one’s late years that are not available when you are young. The translation is highly relatable and the production is excellent. I liked the fact that I didn’t have to squint to read! Make yourself a cup of coffee, find a comfortable chair, and enjoy!

Like everything old is new again, so does the lessons and wisdom revealed in this writing. In today’s world, much of this past wisdom is sought via other measures, yet like gems in the earth, are there for discovery again. If you are getting old, I highly recommend reading this for the proper perspective and perhaps a few revelations about your life and the remainder. Great read!

I loved reading this book; its observations have aged gracefully. It underscores the fact that 2000 years ago, if you survived childhood, you had a very decent chance of living to a very old age. Today we have a disease/medicine industrial complex that enslaves us with fear, but it seem to be little different from the witch doctors of 2000 years ago. But things have changed also. The loss of sexual performance that Cicero lauds (but its OK to watch) has been totally reversed by the advent of Viagra. What would have the Romans done with Viagra one can only faintly imagine... Another immortal gem is that living close to nature and growing food are a perpetual source of living for the aging souls lucky enough to have their own land to grow them. In all, an entertaining quick read that provides a 2000 year perspective. Very calming.

The introduction by the author begins, "Forty-five BC was a bad year for Marcus Tullius Cicero." He goes on to briefly reference the times and circumstances of the text. This book is a quick and easy read....a translation from Cicero's works in Latin. Somewhat repetitive, but interpreted as written. It's insightful and helps give perspective to the aging process and its benefits with both depth and humor, and definitely with experience. Worthy advice from nearly two millennia ago.

Amazed at this ancient wisdom still pertinent today. An immortal soul is discussed, a precursor to Christian thought in this regard. Helpful are these ideas of acceptance and understanding for a person who is coming to the final stages of life. It’s a concise book which I appreciate.

I have read a lot of stoic literature and originally bought this to read on Kindle. I have a friend who is now aging and having a difficult go of it. I enjoyed this book so much I bought hard back copies for this friend, another friend and my young son... hey, he will need it eventually, God willing! The seller sent the books quickly and the books are well made; I expect they will last us all a long time and be good reads for a very long time. (After all, they have been good reads for about 2000 years, no reason to think they will lose their value soon!)

As I'm hitting a milestone birthday this week, that in better times would have signaled the start of retirement, I'm glad that I had purchased this little volume and taken the time to read it. Virtually everything in the text is pertinent--and in much more eloquent prose than is available in all of the twaddle that passes for advice for those aging on the internet (or elsewhere). Philip Freeman's translation is very easy reading, and I found myself having a difficult time putting it down. Having the Latin on the facing page is an excellent idea! I recall (vaguely) trying to read Cicero's Catiline Orations in 3rd year high school Latin (tentative grip on the ablative and past pluperfect subjunctive in hand) and thinking that was really needed was an excellent translation where I wouldn't have to simultaneously keep two books open to the right pages. This would have done quite nicely! Seeing and trying to recall how to pronounce the words on the left page was a significant part of the fun of reading this book. Over fifty years ago I thoroughly enjoyed all things Greek & Roman. Bulfinch, Ovid, & Hamilton were my favorite writers. This book has taken me back and given me the idea that perhaps I should relearn Latin when/if I retire. It was the subject that gave me my greatest joy in high school. An active inquisitive mind, Cicero says, is important to aging well. A new old language sounds like a plan! (I've also started reclaiming my garden from the brier patch to take another of his suggestions, albeit on a smaller scale). In the age of sound bites and tweets, Cicero may at first seem too, well . . . ancient. That acknowledged, I would highly recommend this book. After all, none of us is getting younger, and the youngest of us could prosper as well from the small investment required to read it. Given the vivid translation and the original author, it provides several cuts above the quality of advice in AARP outlets!

Cicero and this writing should be required reading for high school students to graduate. Plenty of insights that are never discussed in secondary schools today. This book offers an intellectual opening to ideas that can lead to true spiritual discussions. Shame on the pseudo-teachers and administrators of forsaken government schools for not attending to Cicero and His accumulated wisdom.

Extraordinary book. This will teach to live life to beautifully and to progress further. Must read when you are young.

I am not sure who will benefit from this review but expect that it will be the excellent editor. Certainly not Cicero, who sadly had his head lopped off prematurely (at least in modern terms as he was 63) thus depriving Rome of one of its most interesting and impressive intellects. I first met Cicero as a boy but we only became firmly acquainted when I entered law school. I have been frequently in touch with him ever since, Most recently, we got together again and spent much time together through the kindness of Robert Harris. I now know that I shall have the pleasure of my friend's wisdom and humour well into my dotage. I strongly recommend this wonderful book to those who wish to relieve the aches of advancing years with a dose of grace, compassion and considerable laughter,

読みやすく、わかりやすい。

I was very disappointed when I first saw this book, as it was very slight and the print was very large. I was even more dismayed when I looked closely and realized that half of its scant pages were in Latin, and therefore only half was readable. For more than $20.00, this is a complete rip-off.

Immensely readable, my preferred Author however is Seneca. Seneca, in my opinion, offers a more practical and wide-ranging analysis of how to use best the time which remains