Wisdom doesn’t necessarily come with age; that’s the thought-provoking point we dive into today. Drawing inspiration from the iconic advice columnist Dear Abby, we explore the idea that while some people believe that time brings wisdom, the reality can be quite different. As we reflect on our experiences, it becomes clear that many folks in their 60s are still making the same blunders they did in their 30s. It’s a bit of a harsh truth, but we often just grow older without necessarily growing up. So, what makes some of us better with age while others seem to remain the same? Join me as I unpack these ideas and invite you to share your thoughts on what really shapes our growth over time.

Takeaways:

1. Wisdom isn't guaranteed with age; it's the experiences that shape us, not just the years.
2. Time might not make us wiser, as seen in those repeating past mistakes in their 60s.
3. Like fine wine, good qualities develop over time, but only if they were there initially.
4. The key question isn't about age, but rather what caused our flaws or shortcomings in the first place.
5. We often equate growing older with gaining wisdom, but that's not always the reality we see.
6. Aging gracefully is about improving upon our foundation, not merely accruing years.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. jamesabrown.net

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Dear Abby
2. jamesabrown.net

This is the Daily note from jamesabrown.net have you heard of Dear Abby?

The longtime advice columnist once said that wisdom doesn't automatically come with age.

Nothing does, except for wrinkles.

It's true that some wines improve with age, but only if the grapes were good in the first place.

And, boy, she was right.

We want to believe that time makes us wiser, that lived years equal, lessons learned.

But as I watch the world around me, I see people in their 60s making the same mistakes that they made at 30.

We don't grow up, we just get old.

Good grapes at 20 become better wine at 50.

And bad grapes?

The only question that matters here is what made them bad in the first place?

So what do you think?

Let me know on jamesabrown.net on that note.

I'm James A.

Brown, and as always, be well.