I used to think age offered knowledge. People would became wiser as time went by, the same way we get older and gain wrinkles. Some would even achieve that sort of bliss that elders get in African tribes, to whom younger ones came and ask for advices on life, relations and other difficult decisions.
As time goes by and I get to know more of these "elderlies", I came to realize I was mistaken. And that wisdom does not come free, or easy. As I think about it, it makes perfect sense: when I look around, most people of my own age are not particularly bright, or particularly interested in making sense of it all. How will they learn anything if they are asleep?... Even thought life can be the best school, one steel needs to be open to the idea of learning...
Even more surprisingly (to me), I am starting to realize that the true elders, the ones who have gain the invaluable wisdom, are the ones that made more mistakes in life. The ones who, more often than not, took the "wrong" path. The ones who broke the laws, the ones who cheated on their espouses with their secretaries, the ones who stepped on everyone else's toes to get where they are, the ones who do not care about other's people feelings, the ones who parked they cars locking other cars, the ones who never give back the excessive exchange money. The ones who made mistakes.
The other, who led their lives following the rules and choosing the "god" way... had no problems. It is like a river that follows its bed. There is nothing to do, and nothing to learn. And so, nothing to teach. They have little or no advices to offer about why they did what they did, or why should one do the same - they just know their way.
Of course, this does not explain the Delai Lama. But how many Dalai Lama are there?...
In fact, this makes me wonder if one should be so keen to do the right thing, not to fall, not to make mistakes, to listen to the elders' advice. It makes me wonder what kind of elder one should aim to be.
