The Tyranny Of Youth
“Men think highly of those who rise rapidly in the world; whereas nothing rises quicker than dust, straw and feathers.”
~Lord Byron
We live in a society that discards the old and disengages the elderly. A society that celebrates youth and inexperience like it is a victory instead of giving the victory to those who have won trophies of survival.
We turn our backs on anyone over 40 who has an ideal, opinion, or expertise. What happened to respecting knowledge and experience?
Wisdom surpasses the ages.
Are we losing the battle between youth and wisdom? Is youth nothing more than short-lived tyranny? How will the youth of today feel about the youth of tomorrow?
What do you think?
10 comments:
It is facinating to recognize certain places in the physical world are known for longevity:
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0511/feature1/assignment1.html
Consult this page about centernarians too:
http://www.hcoa.org/centenarians/centenarians.htm
In essence, elders of every civilisation offer meaningful insights to enrich and expand each awakening soul.
I think that is why I tend to hang out with people close to my own age - the other 50 year old's (give or take a few years), well, we understand where we have come from and where we are emotionally.
The youngsters just haven't caught on yet ! :)
I find it ironic that the Baby Boomers were the original "it's all about youth" generation and that set the whole obsession with youth thing into motion. Prior to that, experience/wisdom was treasured.
Now that Boomers are hitting the senior years, they're the ones shouting "experience matters" the loudest. I agree with that and hope we learn to find an appreciation of individuals for who they are and what they bring to the table, not judge by their age. But I do wonder why they only appreciated it once it affected them. ;)
Liara,
Thank you for the links. We should celebrate our elders like the treasures that they are.
Annie,
I too hang out with my colleagues my own age - toddlers. LOL.
There is something reassuring about listening to them speak from the heart. ;D
JM,
I think each generation doesn't think they will be like the generation before. When they become that in which they do not want to be, they are shocked and in denial.
Wisdom comes at any age when we are open to the flow of life. Age is just another way people misjudge.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
What do I think?
Well...
Being well over the age of 60, I'm a bit biased...
I am 62 and I volunteer at a senior center to which I do not belong. I help the members with learning to use computers and accessing the internet and using email. They are fabulous. These folks are in their 70's and 80's and they are sharp and still learning. I love them. Too often we spend more time chatting than learning and working.
OTOH when I interact with young people they are amazed that I am so old yet so knowledgeable about all things techy and that we speak the same language.
And then there are the most intriguing people of all - 2 year olds. The best thing about hanging out with them? Getting to see the world for the first time, a second time.
Something to learn from everyone, just gotta be open to it.
Alex,
At least you are still exercising an opinion. It gives you a good workout. ;D
Grace,
I wholeheartedly agree. I once had a job at a senior complex - they are the most wonderful people.
We are learning at all stages in life that there really is no difference. Soul is a vessel of knowledge.
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