The Post

Savings for Old Age

No one denies that it is wise to make provisions for old age, but we are not at all agreed as the kind of provision it is best to lay in. Certainly we shall want a little money, for a destitute old man is a sorry sight; yes, save money by all means. But an old man needs just that particular strength which young men are most apt to waste. Many a foolish young fellow will throw away on a holiday a certain amount of energy which he will never feel the want of until he is seventy, and then how much he will want it! It is curious, but true, that a bottle of champagne at twenty will intensify the rheumatism at three score. It is a fact that overtasking the eyes at fourteen may necessitate the aid of spectacles at forty, instead of sixty. We advise our young readers to be saving of health for their old age, for the maxim holds good in regard to health as to money—"Waste not, want not." It is the greatest mistake to suppose that violation of the laws of health can escape its penalty. Nature forgives no sin, no error; she lets off the offender for fifty years sometimes, but she catches him at last, and inflicts the punishment just when, just where and just how he feels it most. Save up for old age, but save knowledge: save the recollection of good and noble deeds, innocent pleasures, and purest thoughts; save friends, save love. Save rich stores of that kind of wealth which time cannot diminish, nor death take away.