Vanhuudesta

by Marcus Tullius Cicero

"Vanhuudesta" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is a philosophical work written in 44 BCE. Set as a dialogue, the work features the elder statesman Cato discussing old age with two younger men, Scipio and Laelius. Cato systematically refutes four common accusations against old age: that it removes people from active life, weakens the body, diminishes pleasure, and brings closeness to death. Through reasoned argument, he defends aging as potentially fulfilling and addresses fundamental questions about mortality and human purpose.