Monday 28 March 2016

Reverence


In a world growing old (as in Europe and North America), youth is increasingly cherished. 

Not too long ago, old age would be reverenced, the living proof of experience, lessons learnt hard and ready to be transmitted to younger ones. But at that time, old age would be rare. Not many would live past 50 years old in the XIX century, and even Hemingway's "Viejo" in "For Whom the Bell tolls" would probably not past 60. Today, 60 means a perfectly active person, and soon 70 would mean the same. Older persons experience, couped with an active intellect, would mean they would connect past and present, enriching a young and energetic world with wisdom and good sense.

But now, the world is growing older. And we all cherish the energy and freshness of youth.