Is the Wisdom of the Elderly a Myth?
The belief that the elderly possess enhanced wisdom due to their vast life experiences is a widely acclaimed notion. However, in practice, many older individuals fail to translate their experiences into valuable wisdom. Moreover, those who do possess wisdom may lose it as their connections with the world diminish.
Past Perspectives on Wisdom and Aging
In the past, when life expectancies were significantly lower, the elderly were often revered for their accumulated knowledge and problem-solving skills. Their traditional ways of coping with challenges and hardships were highly valued. Society was more traditional, and the transmission of inherited customs offered a form of life education to the younger generation. The pace of technological and social change was much slower, which meant that a lack of understanding of new developments was less critical.
However, the kind of wisdom that was valued in the past differs from the wisdom we aspire to today. Historically, wisdom was about navigating life to one's own and others' benefit. In the contemporary world, where changes are rapid and multifaceted, the ability to see connections between various elements, including ethical and emotional aspects, is crucial for effective decision-making. While wisdom can be possessed by anyone, not all individuals manage to maintain it consistently.
Current Wisdom and Decision-Making
When seeking guidance or wisdom, we often look for individuals whose actions consistently yield positive outcomes. In my experience, those who remain engaged with life and its challenges retain more wisdom than their less involved counterparts. For example, the elderly who remain active and connected often retain their cognitive sharpness and maintain a relevant understanding of the world around them. Conversely, as one advances into the "oldest old," the lack of mental clarity and disengagement may render them less effective as sources of wisdom.
Many people in their 80s and above find it difficult to connect with and understand the current world, leading to a gradual disengagement. This disengagement can be viewed as a form of motivational withdrawal from the complexities of modern life, rather than a true loss of wisdom.
Who Can Teach the Youth?
The question of who can teach the youth today is pertinent, given the rapid loss of experience among the elderly due to various factors, including the use of drugs among the youth. Life experience undoubtedly contributes to the wealth of knowledge an individual possesses, but not all individuals learn from their experiences. With the significant number of young individuals currently taking drugs, there is a significant risk of losing this accumulated wisdom.
Therefore, it is important to recognize that while the elderly may not always retain their wisdom, a combination of experienced individuals, formal education, and community support can help preserve and pass on this invaluable knowledge to the younger generation.