"Pour comprendre l'homme il faut savoir ce qui se passait dans le monde quand il avait vingt ans"

Understanding a person deeply often hinges on grasping the world they experienced at a pivotal age—specifically around twenty. This is when many forge key beliefs and attitudes. It’s a period ripe with exploration and the first real taste of independence.

So, think about this: when someone was twenty, they were probably navigating their identity, future, and relationships. The socio-political landscape during that time shapes their perspectives—whether it’s a war, economic boom, or technological revolution.

Take the Baby Boomers, for example. If someone turned twenty in the 1960s, they lived through the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the counterculture revolution. These events didn’t just pass by like background noise—they were the soundtrack of their lives. The struggle for equality, the political unrest, and the quest for personal freedom impacted their views on society, authority, and civil rights.

Consider my friend’s dad, Jim. When Jim was twenty, it was 1969. He was in college, dodging the draft and protesting the Vietnam War. Those experiences didn’t just make him a part of history; they made history a part of him. Today, Jim is passionate about civic duty and skeptical of government power—traits rooted in his youth’s turmoil and activism.

You can apply this wisdom in your interactions. Let’s say you have a boss who’s in his 50s. He probably came of age in the late 70s or early 80s, a time marked by economic uncertainty and the rise of personal computing. Understanding this can explain his cautious approach to risk and his fascination with tech solutions. When you pitch a new project, frame it in terms of how it mitigates risks and leverages technology. Speak his language, shaped by his formative years.

Imagine you’re chatting with your grandmother. She grew up during the Great Depression. Now, she’s frugal, saves everything, and finds wastefulness abhorrent. Instead of getting frustrated, appreciate that her habits come from a time when nothing could be taken for granted. This empathy transforms your interactions, deepening your relationship.

Here’s a relatable scenario: think of a time traveler from 1985, suddenly thrust into 2023. They’d be amazed and likely confused by smartphones, social media, and electric cars. Their reactions, shaped by a past era, would give us insight into how they see today’s world. Now, flip it—when you meet someone older, imagine the world they were twenty in. It’s like being a time traveler in reverse, understanding their "then" to connect with their "now."

In essence, knowing the world someone experienced at twenty is like holding the Rosetta Stone to their personality. It deciphers their quirks, passions, and fears. So next time you’re trying to understand someone, ask them about their twenties. You’ll uncover not just their personal history, but the era that wrote it. And honestly, isn’t that the key to truly getting anyone?