Cowardice Quote by Graham Greene
““What is cowardice in the young is wisdom in the old, but all the same one can be ashamed of wisdom.””
About This Quote
Youthful caution is labeled cowardice, yet the same prudence becomes respected wisdom with age, highlighting the paradox of societal judgment.
In simple terms: Caution shifts from shame to respect over time.
Key Takeaway
Perception of fear changes with age.
Themes
wisdom
courage
age
social perception
shame
Mood
thoughtful
melancholic
insightful
Type
aphoristic
reflective
When to use this quote
- a teenager hesitating to speak up
- an elder praised for careful decisions
- navigating intergenerational advice
- reconciling self‑criticism
Key Concepts
cowardice
wisdom
generational bias
self‑esteem
Practical Applications
- leadership training
- intergenerational dialogue
Questions to Reflect On
- Why does society rebrand fear?
- Can one own both caution and boldness?
A Different Perspective
Some view consistent caution as a lack of ambition regardless of age.
![“I tossed up whether I'd see [the critic] or not: I knew too well the pompous phrases of his article, the buried significance he would discover of which I was unaware and the faults I was tired of facing.” quote by Graham Greene](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dc1/graham-greene-441_literary-criticism_i-tossed-up-whether-i-d-see-the-critic-o_72760.jpg)
![“[D]on't grow old. With age comes caution, which is another name for cowardice… Whatever else you do in life, don't cultivate a conscience. Without a conscience a man may never be said to grow old. This is an age of very old young men.” quote by Hesketh Pearson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/076/hesketh-pearson-35291_age_d-on-t-grow-old-with-age-comes-caution-w_14010.jpg)
