The Voyage of Life: Old Age

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“For age is opportunity no less, than youth itself, though in another dress, and as the evening twilight fades away, the sky is filled with stars, invisible by day.” - Henry Wordsworth Longfellow

Finally, we rejoin our protagonist in the twilight of his long years. At last, he embraces the humility that had been so elusive to his younger, more headstrong self. Our protagonist is not calling out to the heavens in distress nor apprehensive about his uncertain future. This though, we find him at the edge of a long and rocky coast heading into the wine-dark open ocean on the very edge of the river of life. The long years and his many misadventures have slowly but surely, smoothed over the rougher parts of his egotism. Where he was once a flame, our protagonist is now ashes. He is knelt in a simple prayer, ensconced by the light of his guardian angel and the opening heavens. Each moment was necessary and chipped away at some infirmity to reveal the soul we see in these final moments. Every misstep, every conquest, every victory, and defeat have shaped this sanguine mood he now embraces before the end. They are all necessary. Thomas Cole portrays a quiet doldrum or a nautical calm. There are no winds or waves to disturb our protagonist, and this calm is reflected from the water onto his weathered and sun-beaten face. This is the future that faces every man and woman on earth, and it rests purely upon our shoulders to ensure that we are conscious of the happenings of each day so that we might glean what wisdom we can.

We all must embark on these self-same journeys and face the highs and the desperate lows that all act as a leitmotif, pulling us forward to new wisdom and some new state of being. We must then share this wisdom with the world and, like old Nestor, king of Pylos, or Aspasia of Miletus, the wife of Pericles, act as counselors and advisors to the new generation that follows in our wake. With this, we can build upon the foundations and legacies that we have laid in our lives and pass the proverbial Olympian torch to those who shall carry it further. Through this mentorship and stewardship, we can all ensure humanity’s continued progress. There is no dishonor in stepping out of the limelight. There is no dishonor or shame in growing old as long as it is done gracefully and with humility. This is the mode of growing old that will light humanity’s path forward with each subsequent generation.

A note to end on for our younger readers is to engage in discussion with wise old individuals as often as possible. Being old does not necessarily make one wise, so be discerning with whom you choose to listen. These discussions will be enlightening and beneficial if you take the time to truly listen and assimilate as much wisdom as possible. It is also a great exercise in empathy because it exposes you to a wealth of experience that you otherwise might never be aware of.