""La edad es tonta y olvidadiza cuando subestima a la juventud""

Sometimes, we older folks get caught up in remembering how things used to be. We can get a bit dismissive about young people, thinking that because we’ve been around longer, we know better. This quote is a reminder that youth shouldn’t be underestimated. Young people have their own strengths, insights, and abilities that can be incredibly valuable.

Now, let's dive a bit into some context. This idea has been around for ages, but it really gained traction during times of significant change and progress—think about the civil rights movements or tech booms. Young minds often drive these changes; they’re not bogged down by what's “always been.” They see the world with fresh eyes and can imagine possibilities that older generations might miss.

Take, for example, the tech industry. Ever heard of Mark Zuckerberg? Of course, you have. He was just a college student when he started Facebook. Many people didn’t take him seriously at first. They thought, “What’s this kid doing? Social media isn’t going to be a thing.” But look where we are now—Facebook has changed how we connect with each other globally. Zuckerberg’s youth and fresh perspective enabled him to create something revolutionary. If the older, “wiser” folks had their way, we might still be stuck in the era of dial-up internet and MySpace.

So, how can you apply this bit of wisdom in your life? Simple—stay open to new ideas, regardless of where they come from. If you’re in a position of authority, give the younger members of your team a chance to voice their opinions and try out their ideas. You might be surprised at what they come up with. And if you’re young, don’t be afraid to speak up and share your thoughts. Your perspective is valuable.

Imagine this: you’re at a company meeting, and there’s a big problem on the table. Everyone’s puzzled. An intern, fresh out of college, timidly suggests a solution. The room goes silent. Instead of brushing off their idea because they’re young, you decide to give it a shot. It works brilliantly, saving the company time and money. That intern? They feel valued and motivated, and you’ve just learned something new—everyone wins.

Think back to when you were younger. Maybe you had an idea that was brushed off or dismissed. It stung, didn’t it? Now that you’re older, you have the power to change that experience for someone else. Listen actively, encourage innovative thinking, and be open to the possibility that you don’t always have all the answers. That’s how progress happens.

Let’s say you’re a teacher. You’ve been teaching for years, and you have your methods. But one day, a student suggests a new way of tackling a problem. Instead of saying, “No, this is how we’ve always done it,” you decide to try their method. Not only do the students grasp the concept faster, but they’re also more engaged. See? Youth can bring a breath of fresh air, shaking up the status quo and leading to better outcomes.

In the end, it comes down to respect and openness. No matter how old you are, there’s always something new to learn, and sometimes, that lesson comes from someone younger than you. So next time you find yourself underestimating someone because of their age, remember this quote and give them a chance to shine.