"And to what depths of worthlessness, pettiness, and nastiness a man can sink! How could he have changed so much? And is this really true to life? Yes, it's all true to life. Anything can happen to a man: the fiery youth of today would recoil in horror if one were to show him his portrait in old age. So, as you pass from the tender years of youth into harsh and embittered manhood, make sure you take with you on your journey all the human emotions! Don't leave them on the road, for you will not pick them up afterwards! Old age, inevitable and inescapable, is terrible and menacing, for it never gives anything back, it returns nothing! The grave is more merciful than old age. On the tomb is written: 'Here Lies A Man', but you can read nothing on the cold and callous features of inhuman old age."

This made me smile for a long time.