Adulthood does not always guarantee mature thinking. Many people, even after reaching a certain age, continue to make decisions typical of children. Roman thinker Marcus Tullius Cicero linked this phenomenon to an unwillingness to study the past and accumulate the experience of previous generations. In his view, ignoring history leaves a person in a state of perpetual intellectual immaturity, regardless of age.
Cicero argued that if you do not know what happened before your birth, you doom yourself to endless childhood. Such a person cannot rely on others’ mistakes and achievements, and so is forced to start from scratch every time. This not only impoverishes thinking, but also hinders sound decision-making in the present.
Two types of immaturity
The philosopher distinguished between two kinds of immaturity. The first is biological, related to age and physical development. At this stage, a person lacks enough experience and knowledge to make independent decisions. The second is intellectual, which does not depend on age. An adult may remain immature if they do not seek knowledge or take an interest in history.
Intellectual immaturity is evident in the absence of critical thinking, the inability to analyze events and draw conclusions from the past. Such a person is easily swayed by emotions, acts impulsively, and often repeats the same mistakes. Cicero believed that only continuous learning and turning to the experience of previous generations can help one overcome this state.
The Role of History
For the Roman thinker, history was more than just a collection of dates and events. He saw it as a source of practical lessons, examples of virtue, and mistakes that could serve as guidance for his contemporaries. In his words, history is the teacher of life, capable of imparting wisdom and responsibility.
Cicero noted that ignorance of the past compels people to repeat the same mistakes over and over. This applies not only to individuals but also to entire societies. If citizens and leaders do not study history, they risk repeating the tragic errors of those who came before them.
Consequences for Society
During Cicero’s era, the Roman Republic was in crisis. The philosopher observed how even experienced politicians made decisions without considering past lessons. He saw this as a manifestation of collective immaturity, which weakens state institutions and leaves society vulnerable to both internal and external threats.
According to Cicero, a citizen’s maturity is defined not only by age, but also by the ability to learn from others’ mistakes, analyze historical processes, and act in the interest of the common good. Without this, it is impossible to build a stable and just society.
Maturity as a Journey
Cicero believed that growing up is not just a biological process, but a constant effort of self-improvement. A person truly becomes an adult when they learn to think independently, draw on the experience of their predecessors, and strive to develop their intellect. Only then can one avoid perpetual immaturity and become a full member of society.
In today’s world, where information is more accessible than ever, Cicero’s words are especially relevant. Disregard for history and the experience of previous generations still leads to mistakes that could have been avoided. The question of why adults sometimes behave like children remains open—and perhaps the answer lies in the past.
