--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Next to the young, I suppose the very old…" description: "\"Next to the young, I suppose the very old are the most selfish.\" — William Makepeace Thackeray" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/515/william-makepeace-thackeray-74_most_next-to-the-young-i-suppose-the-very-old_3111655.jpg" --- # Next to the young, I suppose the very old are the most… ![“Next to the young, I suppose the very old are the most selfish.” quote by William Makepeace Thackeray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/515/william-makepeace-thackeray-74_most_next-to-the-young-i-suppose-the-very-old_3111655.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/515/william-makepeace-thackeray-74_most_next-to-the-young-i-suppose-the-very-old_3111655.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/515/william-makepeace-thackeray-74_most_next-to-the-young-i-suppose-the-very-old_3111655.jpg) > “Next to the young, I suppose the very old are the most selfish.” [William Makepeace Thackeray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-makepeace-thackeray/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Older people often prioritize their own comfort over younger generations, reflecting self‑interest born of experience. **In simple terms:** The old can be selfish toward the young. Key Takeaway Recognize and address generational bias. Themes generational conflict selfishness age dynamics Mood reflective critical Type analytical observational When to use this quote - family gatherings - workplace mentorship - policy debates - community planning Key Concepts psychology social dynamics empathy Questions to Reflect On - How does age influence self‑interest? - What can bridge generational gaps? A Different Perspective Older individuals may also act altruistically; context matters. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Most](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/most/) [Next](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/next/) [Old](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/old/) [Old Selfish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/old-selfish-3744575/) [Selfish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/selfish/) [Selfishness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/selfishness/) [Suppose Old](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/suppose-old-3744576/) [Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/young/) [Young Suppose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/young-suppose-3744577/) [Youth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/youth/) ## Related quotes > [Next to the very young, I suppose the very old are the most selfish.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-makepeace-thackeray/next-to-the-very-young-i-suppose-the-very-old-are-the-most-selfish/) [William Makepeace Thackeray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-makepeace-thackeray/) > [Next to the young, I suppose the very old are the most selfish. 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