“I'm not afraid of death; I just don't want to be there when it happens.”
Woody Allen
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Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.
185 / 1404
Who said it?
Often credited to Mark Twain, but no source in his writings has been found.
Twain reframes aging as a decision, which is mostly a bluff, but a useful one. The joke is also decent advice.
More misattributed quotes · How we verify quotes
From the collection: 13 Funny Quotes That Are Secretly Kind of Wise
About this quote
Meaning
The quote holds that how old a person feels depends on whether they allow age to matter to them. If they do not mind the years, the years lose much of their weight. The saying presents aging as a question of attitude rather than a fixed condition.
Origin
This line is commonly credited to Mark Twain, but it is not documented in his writings, and no source in his works has been found. It circulates widely in collections, posters, and online pages, and its link to Twain appears to be a later association. What is known is that the wording is popular and widely repeated, but there is no verified record of Twain using it.
Why it resonates
The quote works because it turns a familiar worry into a simple wordplay that is easy to remember. Its gentle humor makes the point without sounding preachy. Many readers recognize the truth that dwelling on age can make it feel heavier, which gives the saying a practical appeal beyond its wit.
Frequently asked questions
Who said "Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't ma…"?
Often credited to Mark Twain, but no source in his writings has been found.
What does "Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't ma…" mean?
The quote holds that how old a person feels depends on whether they allow age to matter to them.
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