Skip to content

Quarter of a century Quote by Hilary Mantel

“Once they were young men of esprit, young men of élan. A quarter of a century has passed and they are grey or balding, flabby or paunchy, gone in the fetlock or missing some fingers, but still as arrogant as satraps and with the mental refinement of a gatepost.” quote by Hilary Mantel
Download Open image
““Once they were young men of esprit, young men of élan. A quarter of a century has passed and they are grey or balding, flabby or paunchy, gone in the fetlock or missing some fingers, but still as arrogant as satraps and with the mental refinement of a gatepost.””

Hilary Mantel

About This Quote

Source Novel: Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, 2009

A vivid portrait of aging soldiers whose bravado remains despite physical decline and loss.

In simple terms: Old warriors stay proud despite aging bodies.

Key Takeaway

Respect the wisdom of experience, not just youthful vigor.

Themes

age pride war decline humor

Mood

wry reflective

Type

literary satirical

When to use this quote

  • military leadership
  • veteran reunions
  • historical reenactments
  • aging athletes

Key Concepts

mortality vanity masculinity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does pride change with age?
  • What does true refinement look like in old age?
A Different Perspective

The quote may romanticize arrogance, overlooking humility.

2.6 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Hilary Mantel

Explore all 559 Hilary Mantel quotes

More Quarter of a century quotes

Browse all 66 Quarter of a century quotes