Next Quote by William Makepeace Thackeray
“Next to the very young, I suppose the very old are the most selfish.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Vanity Fair, 1848
The very old, like the very young, often act selfishly, prioritizing personal comfort over others.
In simple terms: Old people can be selfish too.
Key Takeaway
Consider empathy across ages.
Themes
generational
selfishness
age
human nature
psychology
Mood
thoughtful
critical
empathetic
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- family dynamics
- elder care
- intergenerational programs
- community volunteering
Key Concepts
Gerontology
social behavior
ethical reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- How does age influence selfish behavior?
- What examples challenge this view?
A Different Perspective
The statement may generalize and ignore many altruistic elders.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
