"Plus je vieillis, plus je me méfie de la doctrine familière selon laquelle l'âge apporte la sagesse"

As we get older, we often hear that age naturally leads to wisdom. The idea is that living many years endows you with insight and understanding. But as time goes on, the cracks in this belief start to show. The core idea here is that just getting older doesn’t automatically make you wiser. Experience isn’t the same as wisdom. You can live through a lot and still not "get it." Wisdom comes from reflecting on those experiences, learning from them, and being open to change.

Now, let’s think about why someone might say this. Imagine Mark Twain—he was known for his sharp wit and keen observations on life. He probably noticed that not all older folks were necessarily wise. Some people, no matter how old they got, kept making the same mistakes over and over. He might’ve grown skeptical of the notion that age alone could make someone wise. It’s all about what you do with those years, not just ticking off another birthday.

So, picture this: There’s a seasoned executive at a company who’s been working in the industry for decades. You’d think he’d have all the answers. But he sticks to old methods, avoiding new technology and ignoring fresh ideas from younger colleagues. As a result, the company starts to lag behind its competitors. His age and experience haven't translated into wisdom. Instead, he’s stuck in his ways—proof that age alone doesn’t make you wise.

If you want to apply this idea, focus on being curious and staying open-minded. Don’t just rely on your age to bring wisdom. Engage with new perspectives, challenge your own beliefs, and learn from your mistakes. It’s not enough to just live through experiences—you need to actively think about what you can learn from them.

Imagine you’re chatting with a friend at a coffee shop. You both know this elderly neighbor, Mr. Thompson. He’s been around the block, seen it all. But every time you talk to him, he’s stuck in his ways—always ranting about "kids these days" and how things were better back in his day. He refuses to learn how to use a smartphone, even though it would make his life easier. Your friend mentions how Mr. Thompson’s age hasn't really made him any wiser. He’s just gotten more set in his ways.

Contrast that with your Aunt Lisa. She’s in her 70s but loves trying new things. She’s always reading, attending workshops, and talking to people of all ages. She’s got a smartphone, a tablet, and even dabbles in social media. When you have a problem, she doesn’t just give you advice from her past experiences. She listens, considers new information, and helps you think through your options. She’s a perfect example of how wisdom comes from being open to learning, no matter how old you are.

So, wisdom isn’t a given with age. It’s something you have to work at, like a muscle that needs regular exercise. Stay curious, question your own beliefs, and be willing to change. That’s how you grow wise—not just old.