Laudator Temporis Acti

George Santayana, Dialogues in Limbo (London: Constable and Co. Ltd., 1925), pp. 130-131:

Socrates. Is there not often a lifelong and tender affection between husband and wife, parents and children, brothers and sisters?

The Stranger. There is: sometimes sugary, sometimes seasoned with a little sarcasm.

Socrates. At least young children, red-cheeked and vigorous, running and romping about with shrill cries, must be a perfect delight to you?

The Stranger. Yes, for half an hour.

Socrates. You find more peace, no doubt, among wrinkled white-bearded elders sitting in the sun or tottering on knotted staves, well pleased with themselves and their old saws?

The Stranger. They, too, are picturesque, but at their best in the background. Otherwise such old men are a danger to philanthropy.

Socrates. I see that your preference, like mine, is decidedly for the plastic and generous temper of young men, who embody human health and freedom to perfection.

The Stranger. Yes, but our preference in this matter is three-quarters illusion. In reality, what is a youth but a tadpole? And what can be more odious than their conceit when they have some cleverness and transgress their sphere?