For me, your real age is not the age on your ID. That's just a

In the realm of time, where the sands slip through the hourglass and we are bound by the unrelenting march of years, there arises a question that all must confront: what truly defines our age? Jose Mourinho, the renowned tactician, speaks to this truth with the simple yet profound words: “For me, your real age is not the age on your ID. That’s just a date when you were born.” Here, in these words, lies a profound wisdom that transcends the physical confines of our bodies, a truth that reaches beyond the numbers on a piece of paper, touching instead on the spirit, the heart, and the soul's journey through time.

What does it mean, then, to speak of the real age being something more than the date of birth? In the eyes of Mourinho, a person’s age is not simply the number of years they have lived, but the experiences they have accumulated, the wisdom they have earned, and the vigor with which they engage with the world. The date of birth marks the beginning of a journey, but it is the steps taken along that journey—the choices made, the lessons learned, the battles fought—that truly define one’s age. It is in this sense that real age becomes something far more meaningful: it is a reflection of the spirit's growth, the inner strength, and the vitality with which one lives.

Let us look to the ancient Greeks, who recognized the wisdom in experience and not just in the youthful vigor of the body. The philosopher Socrates, though older and wiser than many of his peers, never ceased to engage with the world as if he were young in spirit. He believed that the true measure of a man was not in the years he had lived, but in the knowledge he had gathered and the virtue he had cultivated. To Socrates, the mind and the soul could grow continually, regardless of the passage of time, and in doing so, one could remain young in heart and purpose, even as their body aged. It was not the date of birth that defined him, but the depth of his wisdom and his commitment to self-improvement.

In more recent history, the great Leonardo da Vinci, whose life spanned 67 years, did not allow the years to limit his capacity for discovery. Though he was older in age, his mind remained ever youthful, forever curious, ever seeking new knowledge. He painted, he wrote, he studied anatomy and engineering—always striving, never allowing his age to define his capabilities. In this sense, Leonardo embodied the very essence of what Mourinho describes: his real age was not the count of years, but the boundless curiosity and determination that drove him forward. His life was not one of mere existence but of continuous growth, proving that true age is measured not by how long we have lived, but by how fully we embrace each moment.

Consider also the story of the great Nelson Mandela, whose life was marked by suffering, imprisonment, and struggle. When he was released from prison at the age of 71, many believed that his age would be a barrier to the immense responsibility that lay before him. But Mandela, like Mourinho’s perspective on age, showed the world that his real age was defined not by the years of his imprisonment but by the strength of his spirit, the wisdom he had gained, and the vision he carried for a united South Africa. His leadership, his resolve, and his commitment to justice were qualities that transcended the number of years he had lived. In him, we see the power of the human spirit to remain vibrant, no matter the number of years that pass.

The lesson that Mourinho imparts is one of profound empowerment: do not let the calendar or the numbers of your birth dictate your potential. Real age is not a mere measurement of time, but a reflection of how you live, how you think, how you grow. Your true age is the sum of your experiences, your actions, and your choices. It is the fire of your passion, the depth of your wisdom, and the determination with which you continue to strive, no matter your years.

Therefore, let us live with the understanding that we are not bound by the passage of time, but instead, we are defined by the quality of our journey. Whether we are young or old in years, we must strive to remain vibrant in spirit, curious in mind, and steadfast in our pursuit of growth. Let us measure our age by how fully we engage with the world, how deeply we love, and how courageously we pursue the higher ideals of our lives. For in the end, it is not the date of birth that matters, but the richness of the life we choose to live, the legacy we leave behind, and the purpose with which we meet each new day.