- #31
Mentat
- 3,935
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Another prime example, of how older people do not have a monopoly on wisdom.
How Old are You? - Revisiting an Old PFs Thread
- Thread starter Mentat
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The discussion revolves around participants sharing their ages and reflecting on the relationship between age, wisdom, and respect. Many younger members express frustration with adults who expect respect solely based on age, arguing that wisdom is not guaranteed with years. They emphasize that intelligence and knowledge can exist independently of age, with some younger individuals feeling more mature and insightful than older counterparts. The conversation highlights the distinction between knowledge and wisdom, suggesting that true wisdom comes from life experiences rather than just age. Older participants acknowledge that while age can provide opportunities for learning, it does not inherently confer wisdom. The thread also touches on the challenges of adolescence, including mood swings and societal expectations, while younger members express a desire to be heard and respected for their perspectives. Overall, the dialogue reflects a generational clash regarding respect, wisdom, and the value of experience.
Another prime example, of how older people do not have a monopoly on wisdom.
- #32
Mentat
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And few older ones have such an inquisitive mind, Majin.
This is an important point as well. You see, I said that age affords one more opportunities to learn; however, while this is still true, there some younger people (like MajinVegeta) who have such a zeal for learning, that they can easily make up for their lack of "experience".
- #33
Mentat
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So how old are you, Nicool?
- #34
Another God
Staff Emeritus
Gold Member
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I have always been curious, but this zeal for learning has only really been a recent thing for me. I wish I did this sort of stuff (Reading as much as I can, PF, things like that) when I was 13, 14 etc. If i had started back then, then Jeeze...what would I know now.
Majin, Mentat...I got to stay in contact with you two =) As you get older, you will find that you are leaps ahead of everyone else when you get to uni. Not necessarily top marks getters (though probably), but simply knowledgeable. You will be able to think for yourselves, you will have insights, and novel ideas... It'd be great to start out at uni like that. I've learned it in my time here, and am only just this year really able to apply it...
- #35
Kerrie
Staff Emeritus
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i think you have quite an ego for whatever age you are for claiming that those who get older get a bigger ego...i suspect you are still a child yourself for believing this about childhood and adulthood, if you are an adult stating this, then i suspect you to be just plain ignorant...
- #36
Bubonic Plague
- 94
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I apologize for collateral damage and if i had been too harsh and crude with my words. Sorry.
Pherhaps you went through a different childhood from mine, so you disagree with my views, but ultimately this is what i think childhood is, relative to my experiences. My views will no doubt change with time. But these are the views i currently hold.
- #37
J-Man
- 199
- 1
I'm 33, and unlike many of you, I hope to get much older. I think it beats the only other alternative.
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I really wish all the little kiddies (under 25) would show some respect. They really must try to be good little kids; it's their duty. I mean, really, what do they want, us to earn their respect? I didn't make all those mistakes for my own benefit, I made them so that I could tell you what to do and what not to do! Really!
April fool...
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I really wish all the little kiddies (under 25) would show some respect. They really must try to be good little kids; it's their duty. I mean, really, what do they want, us to earn their respect? I didn't make all those mistakes for my own benefit, I made them so that I could tell you what to do and what not to do! Really!
April fool...
- #38
Mentat
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I thank you. I'm not sure that I'm going to college/uni., but if you think I'd do well (having actually been there, yourself) I might consider it.
- #39
Alias
38
Mentat, do what ever you must to get through college. I never finished. While I have about 150 credit hours in varying disciplines, I've still have no degree.
Of course, if you want to skip that whole college thing, you can come live with me in the trailer park.
Let see, go to college, get a well paying job, live in a nice house, or live with Alias in the trailer park. Hmmmm. Tough decision.
Mentat, do what ever you must to get through college. I never finished. While I have about 150 credit hours in varying disciplines, I've still have no degree.
Of course, if you want to skip that whole college thing, you can come live with me in the trailer park.
Let see, go to college, get a well paying job, live in a nice house, or live with Alias in the trailer park. Hmmmm. Tough decision.
- #40
Psyber freek
- 20
- 0
I'm 14, and its kind anoying. Too many mood swings.
- #41
Sourire
- 52
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I have to agree with J Man..I too am 33(I couln't remember! Man that is bad!) and I am enjoying every second of it! I can't wait to see what life is going to be like in 5 years! It will be awesome I'm sure!
- #42
MacTech
On many forums i am 15 :) like this one, in my user profile, but really i am 19, tho my birthday is not march 18 either :)
- #43
Considering
- 75
- 0
I'm 20.
I can remember my younger days when I considered most adults rather lacking in the area of common sense, just by observing their actions in certain situations.
Now that I'm older, I still think the same thing. However, I've come to a realization that such people DO deserve respect...until they prove to me otherwise. Kinda like benefit of the doubt.
The older a person is has little to do with their knowledge or lack thereof. But the highly touted "wisdom" is a tangible, real thing, and the only way to gain in wisdom is to live life and learn from experience. Knowledge can be gained in my ways and at varying speeds. But wisdom comes almost exclusively from life experience.
My two cents ;)
Considering
I can remember my younger days when I considered most adults rather lacking in the area of common sense, just by observing their actions in certain situations.
Now that I'm older, I still think the same thing. However, I've come to a realization that such people DO deserve respect...until they prove to me otherwise. Kinda like benefit of the doubt.
The older a person is has little to do with their knowledge or lack thereof. But the highly touted "wisdom" is a tangible, real thing, and the only way to gain in wisdom is to live life and learn from experience. Knowledge can be gained in my ways and at varying speeds. But wisdom comes almost exclusively from life experience.
My two cents ;)
Considering
- #44
Paradox
I'm physically 19. Mentally, I'd say around 5.
- #45
Mentat
- 3,935
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So, why don't you register as your actual age?
- #46
longbusy
- 19
- 0
19 years 133 days + some unassorted seconds...
- #47
iansmith
Staff Emeritus
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I agree with that. I felt the same way when I was a teenager. Now I'm 23 and life experience has bring me more wisdom.
- #48
Pauly Man
- 129
- 0
I am 21.
It's great to see so many young highly intelligent people on at these forums.
It's great to see so many young highly intelligent people on at these forums.
- #49
Raavin
- 86
- 0
At 33 (well on April 8th) I would hope that I have gained some wisdom. I thought I was wise at 15. That's why I left school and went to work. That's why I never did any homework and didn't absorb any of the Mathematics that teachers tried to teach. I knew what was important. Now I'm not so sure what's important. I know I have regrets about decisions I made but as the saying goes, the more you know, the more you don't know. I'm a youth worker by trade and if I was going to be completely honest, a damn fine one. Why, because I know I don't know everything. Others in my field 'know' they have wisdom. I hope when I talk to younger people and use examples about my own experiences, or give advice, that they can take something from it. Regardless of what you think now, you will feel the same way. You may have ideas about how your future will unfold and the person that you will be, but life doesn't work like that. Relationships will be made and broken, you will hurt people and they will hurt you. You will make mistakes that haunt you when you go to sleep and you will have restless nights, abuzz with the pleasures that the day brought you. You will plan how you raise your children then, when it happens, throw all the ideas out the window. You will have emotions that you think will never end and later they will seem like a fleeting moment. Don't close yourself off to the idea that you are not different and possibly more wise with every passing day. I wouldn't wish that for you. When I see a 13 year old and a 40 year old who are emotional peers I don't see a 13 year old with the wisdom of a 40 year old, I see a 40 year old with the wisdom of a 13 year old. You could read 10 textbooks a day for ten years and you couldn't learn about yourself what you could learn by living for one.
There are many here that at a very early age, showing great intelligence. Far more than I can say I have. Intelligence is applied book learning. Wisdom is applied life learning. There are no shortcuts to either. I've still got a ways to go with both.
Raavin
There are many here that at a very early age, showing great intelligence. Far more than I can say I have. Intelligence is applied book learning. Wisdom is applied life learning. There are no shortcuts to either. I've still got a ways to go with both.
Raavin
- #50
Linda
Well said Raavin. (I'm 42 by the way)
- #51
Raavin
- 86
- 0
- #52
RuroumiKenshin
I always get top marks. And I'm usually teacher's pet (i'm trying not to, but I am one in my computer and math classes). Anyway, I want to go for a double PhD in physics and engineering (not sure what kind, but what do you think sounds most challenging, computer or electrical?). I'll teach part time and get a job (sooner or later) at the Institute For Advanced Study in New Jersey(Mietner, Einstein, Planck worked there!). And I have other plans, but I don't want to bore anyone with them...
- #53
RuroumiKenshin
you know, I actually enjoy these mood swings. It makes me feel like a normal, cool teen. But my mood swings are usually mild (unless I get grounded from pfs like last week for spending 4 hours here ).
- #54
Mr. Robin Parsons
- 1,243
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Really, reeeeally well stated/said
(Bows, in silent respect)
(Bows, in silent respect)
- #55
Psyber freek
- 20
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Most of the time I don't enjoy mood swings. One minute I'm my normal self, then after a little while I'm extremely happy for some reason, and then after another 10 minutes, I'm down in the dumps.
- #56
Baikonur
By the way, an online test said that my mental age is 32! Argh! I'm an old man! I'm mentally almost mummyfied! 
DDD
DDD- #57
Sourire
- 52
- 0
Originally posted by Baikonur
By the way, an online test said that my mental age is 32! Argh! I'm an old man! I'm mentally almost mummyfied!
But some of us mummyfied people are pretty darn smart!
- #58
Mentat
- 3,935
- 3
There are still a few that haven't responded, so I just figured I'd give them the chance to (by putting this back on the first page).
- #59
Dx
Im 28 this month and 29 in Aug. I feel like i am 21 though, the greatest age to be ever. old enough to drink, chase older women and VOTE! Good thread
Thanks!
Dx
- #60
Ivan Seeking
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
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I am approaching 30 in some numbering system but I forget which one.
I am approaching 30 in some numbering system but I forget which one...did I say that?
I am approaching 30 in some numbering system but I forget which one...did I say that?