Embracing Age-Old Wisdom
“The human spirit must prevail over technology.” — Albert Einstein
We live in an era where progress is bursting forward at breakneck speed. And I ponder why our parents often seem rooted in their ways and hesitant to embrace the rapid changes that define our times. Is it too hard for them, too fast, perhaps?
While it might be tempting to label them as resistant to change, a closer look may reveal their reluctance stems from a different pace of life they once lived. They navigated their era with a leisurely stride, devoid of the real-time advancements that now define our world. Yet, their age-old wisdom still stands the test of time and will continue to do so if we let it.
So, despite the stark difference, it’s intriguing to bridge the contrast between their generation and ours and preserve the undeniable value of age-old wisdom.
The Need for Speed
Our lives are on a permanent fast-forward — characterized by instant communication, constant technological advancements, and a relentless pursuit of innovation and efficiency. This hurriedness has become the heartbeat of our existence, drumming us to keep up with the latest trends and developments.
If only there were a way to cling to what my father always said growing up: Hurry up slowly. And would it have helped if Henry Ford asked his customers what they wanted and listened when they replied, faster horses?
Nowadays, we desire electric cars, fibre optic internet, same-day delivery, artificial intelligence, and science fiction. Our expectations have gained momentum, demanding quick results and immediate gratification in all aspects of life — the instant generation.
Breathing Space, Anyone?
We revel in the benefits of this fast-paced world, though. Gone are the days of leisurely exploration, dabbling in different interests, or savouring moments without the weight of urgency. Now, the choice seems crystal clear: adapt or risk falling behind. You witness this phenomenon with the adoption of technological marvels and platforms that transform our lives in the blink of an eye.
Let’s look at some of these rapid adoptions:
- It took Netflix 3.5 years to reach 1 million users
- It took Twitter 2 years to reach 1 million users
- It took Facebook 10 months to reach 1 million users
- It took Instagram 2.5 months to reach 1 million users
- It took ChatGPT 5 days to reach 1 million users
Progress at Any Cost, Including Lost Wisdom
The light from progress burns bright but is sometimes blinding to the realization that what ends up in flames is invaluable wisdom, leaving an afterglow in this hurried charge. We often equate education, success, and knowledge with wisdom, assuming one naturally begets the other. However, true wisdom goes beyond knowledge. As the adages go:
Knowledge is recognizing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.
Knowledge is knowing what you can do. Wisdom is knowing when not to do it.
Knowledge is knowing what to say. Wisdom is knowing when to say it.
Knowledge comes from learning. Wisdom comes from living.
Embracing Ancient Wisdom
A simple yet profound moment helped shed light on the essence of ancient wisdom. One evening, uncontrollable coughing suddenly disrupts the moment while spending time with family.
I try drinking water, but it proves ineffective. My parents are concerned, and my mom asks if I’d like something for the cough. Thinking she’ll give me some weird Indian remedy, I refuse the offer. Then my dad offers, and again I refuse. They sense my stubbornness, so my mom asks him if he has some. He does and takes it out of his wallet.
It’s a clove (a dried flower bud and spice). I was right — a weird Indian remedy! Skepticism flares. They tell me to bite and chew on it. I pop it in my mouth, bite and chew, and to my surprise, the coughing subsides.
Who knew? Actually, they did! A seemingly unassuming solution. It didn’t spark relief, but more of a revelation of wisdom. And I’m glad my kids got to witness that. Maybe one day, they won’t refuse my age-old efforts to help them.
Preserving Traditions
Parents and cultures hold an archive of remedies and practices that have stood the test of time. We overlook or dismiss these in our eagerness to embrace modern conveniences. Just as the clove eased a coughing fit, countless other examples of pearls of wisdom wait to be discovered and appreciated. Are you receptive to it or not?
Holding On
Yes, some things are outdated and irrelevant. But before we totally torch all ancient wisdom, let’s pause to recognize this wisdom that fortified simpler times. Our parents aren’t attached to their roots because of their unwillingness to accept change; it’s to preserve the wisdom that sustained them. When you see it through their rose-coloured glasses, you can’t blame them.
What Will Sustain You?
As we try to pilot the complexities of today and keep pace with the growing momentum, we can simultaneously take moments to appreciate and imbibe the simplicity and wisdom of the past and what it stood for.
The past doesn’t have to hold us back but should guide us forward with a deeper understanding of what truly matters. We can strike a balance between modernity and tradition by ensuring the wisdom of generations remains alive, shaping our lives and the lives of those who follow in our footsteps — our children.
“Traditional practices may seem old-fashioned, but they hold timeless wisdom that can guide us through modern challenges.” — Unknown