We advance in years somewhat in the manner of an invading army in a barren land; the age that we have reached, as the saying goes, we but hold with an outpost, and still keep open communications with the extreme rear and first beginnings of the march. – Robert Louis Stevenson, “Virginibus Puerisque II,” Virginibus Puerisque, 1881

Mum loves me being famous! She is so excited and proud, as she had me so young and couldnt support me, so I am living her dream, its sweeter for both of us. Its her 40th birthday soon and Im going to buy her 40 presents. – Adele

Thanks to modern medical advances such as antibiotics, nasal spray, and Diet Coke, it has become routine for people in the civilized world to pass the age of 40, sometimes more than once. – Dave Barry, “Your Disintegrating Body,” Dave Barry Turns 40, 1990