16.
The periods of infancy, boyhood, youth, and old age, are different; but I, who have been infant, boy, and youth, am still the same.
Thus, although each has at different times a different constitution, the adaptation of each to its constitution is the same.
For nature does not consign boyhood or youth, or old age, to me; it consigns me to them.
Therefore, the child is adapted to that constitution which is his at the present moment of childhood, not to that which will be his in youth.
For even if there is in store for him any higher phase into which he must be changed, the state in which he is born is also according to nature.
Book: Moral Letters Vol III
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On instinct in animals
Location: Chapter 121, Section 16
Content:
16.
The periods of infancy, boyhood, youth, and old age, are different; but I, who have been infant, boy, and youth, am still the same.
Thus, although each has at different times a different constitution, the adaptation of each to its constitution is the same.
For nature does not consign boyhood or youth, or old age, to me; it consigns me to them.
Therefore, the child is adapted to that constitution which is his at the present moment of childhood, not to that which will be his in youth.
For even if there is in store for him any higher phase into which he must be changed, the state in which he is born is also according to nature.