Who said “Every man desires to live long, but no man would be old.”?

Verified

Jonathan Swift. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceThoughts on Various Subjects from Miscellanies (1711-1726)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Thoughts on Various Subjects from Miscellanies (1711-1726).

APA

Swift, J. (n.d.). Every man desires to live long, but no man would be old. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/5925-every-man-desires-to-live-long-but-no/

MLA

Swift, Jonathan. “Every man desires to live long, but no man would be old.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/5925-every-man-desires-to-live-long-but-no/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Swift, Jonathan. “Every man desires to live long, but no man would be old.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/5925-every-man-desires-to-live-long-but-no/.