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What is a famous quote about being 70?

3 min read

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the global population of people aged 65 and over is projected to more than double in the coming decades. For those approaching or celebrating this milestone, finding a fitting expression of this stage of life is often a key desire, which leads many to ask, "What is a famous quote about being 70?"

Quick Summary

Explore memorable quotes about being 70, featuring insightful and humorous perspectives from authors and thinkers. Learn about Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.'s optimistic view on being 'seventy years young' and Carl Jung's philosophical take on the 'afternoon of life'.

Key Points

  • "Seventy years young": Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.'s quote offers an optimistic view of being 70, focusing on vitality.

  • Late life has its own significance: Carl Jung's quote highlights the meaningful purpose of later life.

  • Internal identity remains constant: Doris Lessing's quote notes that the inner self doesn't change despite physical aging.

  • Physical signs of aging are badges of honor: May Sarton's quote sees lines on a face as evidence of a lived life.

  • Embracing experience: Maurice Chevalier's quote points out that age brings valuable accumulated wisdom.

  • Gratitude for longevity: Phyllis McGinley's poem pragmatically reminds us to be thankful for reaching old age.

In This Article

Famous Perspectives on Turning 70

Turning 70 is a significant milestone that often prompts reflection and celebration. Throughout history, many famous figures have offered their unique perspectives on what it means to be a septuagenarian, with quotes ranging from philosophical to humorous.

One of the most cheerful and famous quotes comes from Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.: "It is better to be seventy years young than forty years old!". This quote emphasizes a youthful mindset over chronological age. Other figures like Carl Jung, Doris Lessing, and Casey Stengel have also shared their thoughts on this age.

Reflective and Humorous Quotes on Turning 70

Many quotes about turning 70 touch upon themes of wisdom, experience, and perspective. May Sarton viewed the lines on a face as marks of a lived life. Phyllis McGinley offered a pragmatic view on appreciating life's length, while Maurice Chevalier highlighted the value of accumulated knowledge. For more quotes, explore {Link: BrainyQuote https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/seventy-quotes}.

Comparison of Famous Quotes on Being 70

Author Famous Quote on Being 70 Key Takeaway Perspective
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. "It is better to be seventy years young than forty years old!" Age is a matter of mindset. Optimistic
Carl Jung "The afternoon of human life must also have a significance of its own..." Later life is a purposeful phase. Philosophical
Doris Lessing "...you really haven't changed in seventy or eighty years." Core identity remains constant. Honest
Casey Stengel "I'll never make the mistake of being seventy again." Humorous acknowledgment of aging's drawbacks. Witty
May Sarton "A face without lines...suggests something unlived, empty..." Physical signs of aging are marks of a life well-lived. Reflective
Phyllis McGinley "But it's better to be seventy, than not alive at all." A pragmatic, grateful perspective. Realistic

Choosing the Right Quote for the Moment

The context is important when selecting a quote about being 70. Oliver Wendell Holmes' quote is suitable for a cheerful message. Carl Jung's perspective works well for a philosophical touch. Casey Stengel's or Doris Lessing's remarks can be fitting for humor. May Sarton's quote is good for celebrating a life story, while Phyllis McGinley offers a poignant reminder of gratitude. The best quotes often blend respect, humor, and appreciation for a life full of experiences.

Conclusion

From Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.'s optimistic "seventy years young" to Carl Jung's philosophical view of the "afternoon of human life", numerous famous quotes capture the essence of being 70. These words from influential figures provide perspectives that celebrate, reflect on, and appreciate the experiences that come with this milestone.

Inspiring quotes about aging and life in your 70s

  • "Aging is not 'lost youth' but a new stage of opportunity and strength." – Betty Friedan
  • "In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." – Abraham Lincoln
  • "The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes." – Frank Lloyd Wright
  • "Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art." – Eleanor Roosevelt
  • "Forget the past; look forward to the future, for the best things are yet to come." – Anonymous
  • "Age is no barrier. It's a limitation you put on your mind." – Jackie Joyner-Kersee
  • "The best part of turning 70 is that you make the rules." – Anonymous
  • "Aging is just another word for living." – Cindy Joseph
  • "Count your life by smiles, not tears. Count your age by friends, not years." – John Lennon

These quotes show that being 70 can be viewed from many angles, emphasizing continued growth and appreciation for the journey of life. Famous sayings about this age often focus on themes of wisdom, experience, and living fully, regardless of age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.'s quote, "It is better to be seventy years young than forty years old!" is widely recognized as a famous quote about being 70.

Carl Jung's famous quote is, "The afternoon of human life must also have a significance of its own and cannot be merely a pitiful appendage to life's morning".

Yes, Doris Lessing shared her perspective on feeling unchanged internally despite physical aging. For her full quote, see {Link: BrainyQuote https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/seventy-quotes}.

Casey Stengel offered a humorous quote: "I'll never make the mistake of being seventy again".

May Sarton's quote, "A face without lines that shows no mark of what has been lived through in a long life suggests something unlived, empty, behind", finds beauty in the signs of a life well-lived.

Phyllis McGinley's poem provides a pragmatic and grateful perspective. For her full quote, see {Link: BrainyQuote https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/seventy-quotes}.

Maurice Chevalier noted that the only difference between a man of forty and seventy is "thirty years of experience".

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.