Psychologically there are two dangers to be guarded against in old age, one of these is too great an absorption in the past. (46) One should not live in memories, in regrets for the good old days, or in sadness about friends who are dead. One"s thoughts must be directed to the future, and to things about which there is something to be done. This is not always easy; one"s own past is gradually increasing weight. It is easy to think to oneself that one"s emotions used to be more vivid than they are, and one"s mind more keen. If this is true it should be forgotten, and it is forgotten it will probably not be true. The other thing to be avoided is clinging to youth in the hope of finding strength in its vitality. When your children are grown up they want to live their own lives, and if you continue to be as interested in them as you were when they were young, you are likely to become a burden to them, unless they are unusually in sensible. (47) I don"t mean that one should be without interest in them, but one"s interest should be contemplative and, if possible, philanthropic, but not too emotional. Animals become indifferent to their young as soon as their young can look after themselves, but human beings, owing to the length of infancy, find this less easy. (48) I think that a successful old age is easiest for those who have strong impersonal interests leading to suitable activities. It is in this sphere that long experience is really fruitful, and that the wisdom bore of experience can be used without becoming a burden. It is no use telling grown-up children not to make mistakes, both because they will not believe you, and because mistakes are an essential part of education. (49) But if you are one of those who are incapable of impersonal interests, you may find that your life will be empty unless you concern yourself with your children and grandchildren. In that case you must realize that while you can still help them in material ways, as by making them an allowance or knitting them jumpers, you must not expect that they will enjoy your company. Some old people are troubled by the fear of death. In the young there is justification for this feeling. (50) Young men who have reason to fear they will be killed in battle may justifiably feel bitter in the thought that they have been cheated of the best things that life has to offer. But in an old man who has known human joys and sorrows and has done whatever work it was in him to do, the fear of death is some-what ignoble.