Old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old authors to read

Old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old authors to read

Athenaeus, a Greek rhetorician and grammarian who lived in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, would have certainly appreciated the sentiment behind the phrase "Old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old authors to read." As a scholar and lover of literature, Athenaeus would have understood the value of tradition and the wisdom that can be found in the works of ancient authors.

In his most famous work, "Deipnosophistae" (The Banquet of the Learned), Athenaeus showcases his vast knowledge of ancient Greek literature and philosophy. The book is a collection of conversations between learned men at a banquet, discussing a wide range of topics including food, wine, literature, and philosophy. Through these conversations, Athenaeus demonstrates his deep respect for the wisdom of the past and the importance of preserving and studying the works of old authors.

Just as old wood is best for burning because it is dry and burns easily, old wine is best for drinking because it has had time to mature and develop complex flavors, old friends are best to trust because they have stood the test of time and proven their loyalty, and old authors are best to read because their works have stood the test of time and continue to offer valuable insights and wisdom.

For Athenaeus, reading the works of old authors would have been a way to connect with the past and gain a deeper understanding of the world. By studying the writings of ancient philosophers, poets, and historians, Athenaeus would have been able to learn from their experiences and insights, and apply their wisdom to his own life and work.