All this discussion of the Minerva quote inspires me to tee up a favorite
line from the Analects describing Confucius' take on age and aquisition of
wisdom and righteousness:
"When I was 15 I set my mind to learning, at 30 I established myself, at 40
I was no longer confused, at 50 I knew the mandates of heaven, at 60 my ears
were attuned [to nature/the "Way"], and at 70 I could do as my heart desired
and never transgress the limits [of righteous behavior]."
Still easily confused . . .
Robin Wagner
Projects Coordinator
The Field Museum of Natural History
Chicago, IL 60605-2496
Ph: 312-922-9410 x245