“Cautious age suspects the flattering form, and only credits what experience tells” is a statement that reflects on the wisdom that comes with age and experience. The “flattering form” here can be interpreted as superficial appearances or initial impressions, which can often be misleading or deceptive. As one grows older and gains more life experiences, they become more cautious and skeptical of these outward appearances.
The second part of the quote “only credits what experience tells,” suggests that with age also comes a reliance on personal experiences to inform decisions or judgments. This is because over time, one learns that reality is not always as it appears at first glance, and hence values their own lived experiences as a more reliable source of truth.
Applying this idea to today’s world could involve interpreting situations in politics, business or even social media where things are not always what they seem at first glance. For example, in politics politicians may promise certain things during campaigns (the flattering form), but their track record (experience) might suggest otherwise.
In terms of personal development, this quote could serve as an advice to younger individuals to not hastily jump into conclusions based on immediate appearances but instead take time to gather information from various sources including their own past experiences before making decisions. It encourages critical thinking and promotes the idea that wisdom comes from reflecting upon our own experiences rather than relying solely on surface-level impressions.
