There’s a strange pattern here. We’re surprised by young people who display what we consider to be the kind of sophistication and wisdom that we associate only with experience and age, as well as by elders who display the physical stamina, prowess, and productivity of people decades younger. It’s as if to be young means only to be strong and to be old means only to be wise.
Does “Elder Wisdom” Exist?
Is there such a thing as “elder wisdom” or is this concept a mere stereotype and illusion?
“Not-Knowing” Wisdom
Magic dwells in the spirits of those, most generally elders, who are savvy enough to know, that they know enough, to know, they don’t know very much.
The Six Assets of Aging
The deterioration-decline meme that defines aging in our culture originates in a narrow perception of the lifespan that is blind to the priceless assets we accrue as we add years to our lives.
Humankindness
I first ran across the word “humankindness” doing my doctoral research into community and have been captivated by it for over 20 years.
Aging Equals Growth
I am getting older and the older version of me really is demonstrably better than the younger version of me. How is this possible?
Exemplifying
Wisdom can appear anytime, in the most surprising ways, so you have to be ready and looking for it.
Power of Story Telling
In 1999 Dr. Bill Thomas and I were invited by Chief Oren Lyons to visit The People of the Six Nations, also known by the French term, Iroquois Confederacy.