Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Olivia

Olivia

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Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

By Max Ehrmann © 1927
From Desiderata
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Do you agree with the above statement or not?

For me it depends. I don't agree that just because one had become older, that one has to surrender to old age and become a fountain of wisdom for the young.
Let them find their own fountain. Don't you hate it when anyone tries to mold you into the image of themselves and want you to live their same kind of life?
 

Gracefully surrender to the things of youth?

Its vague so doesn’t specify what things we should be surrendering to but generally speaking I think every person should do the things that bring them joy regardless of age as long as it’s not hurting ourselves or others.

I take true delight in childish or child like activities at times. It makes my heart sing.
 
Old age is definitely going to win the war in the end, but I sure as Hell ain't surrendering to it. I'm going to fight it all the way to the end.
 

I don't see anything in that verse about giving counsel to the young. To me, it simply says to accept the life lessons that come with age, and to grow old gracefully.

No need to struggle; we either die young or get old... and then we die.
 
I don't see anything in that verse about giving counsel to the young. To me, it simply says to accept the life lessons that come with age, and to grow old gracefully.
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I didn't see anything about being a fountain of wisdom to the young either.

I do agree with taking the counsel of years kindly, but a few things of youth I will keep, some dreams, maybe some books and photos. Maybe if I live a few more years I'll be more graceful about surrender.
 
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That passage has nothing to do with counseling young people. The first part is simply telling you to accept what getting older has taught you, and then, based on those lessons learned, give up doing those things that are no longer good for you to do, or things you can no longer do as you once did, as you understand them.
 
For heaven's sake. I just added what additionally that the passage meant to me. The passing down wisdom thing is what most of us had already heard. Just saying that's not my thing. And at least three of you are pretty much younger than me. If you don't think that makes a difference, well then you can't understand how I've changed my opinion about wishing to be younger again. You think a few years don't make a difference? Well, it has for me. The big change for me is I like myself now and whatever age I will become. I will not go gracefully just because I'm older. I will do everything I can to hold on to a younger thinking mind and physical self. I will not sit knitting in a rocking chair (yes, I understand that's a stereotype). Just wondered how the rest you felt about that which was the purpose of the thread. Apparently that was mostly a failure of communication--Mine.
 
I think a person will be miserable if they dwell on things they can no longer do. Each stage of life can bring something new to learn or do. Right now I'm obsessed with sewing. I've never sewed in my life and I'm having a ball learning now.
 
I took up sewing the same way as you Ruth. One day I jumped in with both feet and loved it. Embracing what we CAN do is healthier than resenting what we can no longer do
 
I agree with it Olivia. I just take that to mean that we should embrace our age and be kind to ourselves, not always wanting to be young again and equating youth with happiness and contentment in our golden years. I might be way off base, but that's how I interpret it.
 
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
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I don't think I can ever "gracefully" surrender the things of my youth..

They are the crutch of who I am....

It all depends on how you take it..Is it the childish things you ..did...

Or the things you experienced as a child.

I can easily give up my childish ways of thinking..I will never let go of my childhood experiences good or bad....
 
Jus' gonna snip yer post in half to fit with a poster I made in another life

Ruth n Jersey said:
I think a person will be miserable if they dwell on things they can no longer do.
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moVqio0.jpg
 
Olivia said:
Do you agree with the above statement or not?

For me it depends. I don't agree that just because one had become older, that one has to surrender to old age and become a fountain of wisdom for the young.
Let them find their own fountain. Don't you hate it when anyone tries to mold you into the image of themselves and want you to live their same kind of life?
Click to expand...

I think it’s a nice thought to be able to pass down what one’s learned, experienced
But, heh, few younger folks care to listen
I didn’t

As for the quote

Sounds like he was counseling himself
And maybe passing that knowledge down

I find myself accepting certain limitations, and finding new ways around those

But, other than my loss of hearing in one ear, my need for reading glasses, and the knife in my lower back, I can pretty much do what I’ve always done…just takes a little longer

But, Oliva, I don’t know if I’m younger or older than you
I’m days from 70

Maybe that’ll all change in the next few years

I will fight to keep what’s left of my mind, no matter what age
 
treeguy64 said:
That passage has nothing to do with counseling young people. The first part is simply telling you to accept what getting older has taught you, and then, based on those lessons learned, give up doing those things that are no longer good for you to do, or things you can no longer do as you once did, as you understand them.
Click to expand...
I truely hear what you’re saying. I’m 72. I’m selling my Triumph motorcycle next week. Why? Because I’m not 60 years old like when I bought it. My reflexes are no longer as sharp. I still have a Triumph TR6 British sports car. And I even fly my own 74 year old airplane. But the motorcycle is for younger folks with sharper senses so I now will surrender one more thing of youthful
 
"Desiderata" needs to be considered in its entirety, and for what it is. There is much wisdom in it, and even beauty, but it is dated in many regards, a product of the age of its production, and not all parts of it apply equally or comfortably to everyone. I think that roles and life stage expectations were much more rigid in 1927 than they were today. People are much more free to chart their own course today than they were almost 100 years ago, and that's a good thing...
 
Olivia said:
For heaven's sake. I just added what additionally that the passage meant to me. The passing down wisdom thing is what most of us had already heard. Just saying that's not my thing. And at least three of you are pretty much younger than me. If you don't think that makes a difference, well then you can't understand how I've changed my opinion about wishing to be younger again. You think a few years don't make a difference? Well, it has for me. The big change for me is I like myself now and whatever age I will become. I will not go gracefully just because I'm older. I will do everything I can to hold on to a younger thinking mind and physical self. I will not sit knitting in a rocking chair (yes, I understand that's a stereotype). Just wondered how the rest you felt about that which was the purpose of the thread. Apparently that was mostly a failure of communication--Mine.
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I'm with you on this one! :)
 

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