“There is no reason why the same man should like the same books at eighteen and forty-eight”
— Ezra Pound
Simplified Meaning:
People change as they grow older, and so do their interests and tastes. When you are eighteen, you are just starting your journey into adulthood. You may like books that are exciting, full of adventure, or talk about young love. However, by the time you are forty-eight, you have experienced more of life. Your tastes may shift towards books that offer deep insights, discuss life challenges, or explore complex relationships. For example, think about food preferences. When you were a child, you might have loved candy and fast food. Yet as an adult, you might prefer healthier or more sophisticated meals. This change happens because your knowledge, experiences, and priorities evolve over time. The same idea applies to books or any other interests. As you grow older, what you find interesting or meaningful might change. This is natural and reflects your personal growth. So, if you don’t enjoy the same things you used to, it simply means you are changing, and that’s okay. Embrace the new interests as they come because they show how you are developing as a person.
