Getting a grey beard's not cool.

"Getting a grey beard's not cool." These words from Ian Brown strike at the heart of a truth many avoid—our complex relationship with aging, appearance, and the societal perceptions that come with them. At first glance, this statement may seem superficial or even lighthearted. But beneath the surface, Brown is pointing to a deeper, more emotional reality that each of us faces as we move through the stages of life. The grey beard, often a symbol of wisdom, maturity, and the inevitable passage of time, becomes for Brown a reminder that even the most natural of changes can be viewed as something to resist, something that challenges our notions of youthfulness and coolness.

In the ancient world, age and wisdom were celebrated, particularly among the Greeks and Romans, who held their elders in the highest esteem. The beard itself was seen as a symbol of virility, experience, and authority. Socrates, despite his unkempt appearance, was revered as a great philosopher and teacher. His grey hair and beard were not a mark of ageing in a negative sense, but of the depth and experience he had accumulated over the years. To the ancients, a grey beard was not a sign of something to avoid but something to embrace as a reflection of inner strength, intelligence, and legacy. Brown’s words, however, reflect a more modern shift in how society views ageing—a shift that values youth and vibrancy above all else, sometimes making aging appear less desirable, even in the face of its undeniable presence.

The shift in perspective that Brown comments on can be seen in the lives of many modern figures, who have gone to great lengths to maintain the appearance of youth. Consider the story of Hollywood stars like Meryl Streep, who, while aging gracefully, has also spoken openly about the pressures to maintain a youthful image for her career. Streep’s evolution as an actress reflects both the demands of her craft and the societal pressures placed on women, particularly as they age. The fear of losing relevance as one ages has led many to resist the inevitable process of growing older, attempting instead to hold on to an image of eternal youth. This societal pressure is what makes Brown’s quote so evocative—it speaks to the fear that age can diminish one’s value, when in fact it can be a source of strength, authenticity, and wisdom.

Consider the example of Leonardo da Vinci, who, though revered for his genius and creativity, did not shy away from the reality of his age. As he grew older, he continued to work with the same passion and dedication he had in his youth. Da Vinci’s later years were marked by a deepening understanding of the world, from his anatomical studies to his inventions. The wisdom that comes with age, when nurtured with curiosity and a relentless pursuit of knowledge, is something that Brown’s generation often overlooks. Da Vinci’s life offers a counterpoint to the modern view that ageing is something to be avoided—rather, it can be embraced as the culmination of a life lived with purpose.

Brown’s discomfort with the grey beard is not unique, for many of us in modern times are faced with similar challenges. The beauty industry thrives on our collective desire to stay young, to retain our youthful appearance, and to ward off the visible signs of ageing. But perhaps we should ask ourselves: What are we truly afraid of? Is it that the grey beard represents decay and the end of vitality, or does it symbolize the strength and experience that we have earned over time? To fear ageing is to miss the opportunity to embrace the richness of a life lived with purpose and intention. The lesson here is that youth is not defined by the absence of grey hair or wrinkles, but by the passion, purpose, and curiosity we carry with us as we age.

The lesson from Brown’s quote is clear: youth and coolness should not be equated solely with appearance, but with how we engage with life. Ageing is not a curse or a loss—it is a natural progression, and the grey beard should be seen as a symbol of wisdom, accomplishment, and experience. The journey of life is not one of fighting the inevitable, but of embracing it with grace and strength. Just as the ancients celebrated the maturity that came with age, we too should learn to value the qualities that grow with time, rather than focusing on the fleeting aspects of youthful appearance.

In practical terms, this means shifting our focus from the fear of ageing to the appreciation of what comes with age. Let us embrace the grey hairs, the wrinkles, and the changes that signify the life we’ve lived. Let us focus on the strength and knowledge we’ve gained, and use those gifts to continue contributing to the world around us. We should not hide from the passage of time, but celebrate it as part of the beauty of life’s journey. The grey beard is not to be feared, but embraced, for it represents a life well-lived—a life full of stories, wisdom, and strength. Age is not a loss, but a victory, one that should be worn with pride.

Finally, let us take pride in our age, embrace the wisdom that comes with the years, and celebrate the grey beard as a symbol of all we have achieved. Just as the ancient sages did not shy away from the marks of time, neither should we. The future belongs not to those who chase youthful appearance, but to those who live with purpose, who embrace the lessons of experience, and who continue to move forward, regardless of how much time has passed. Let us not fear the grey beard, but welcome it, for it is a reflection of all that we have learned, and all that we still have yet to achieve.