I don't believe one grows older. I think that what happens early

"I don't believe one grows older. I think that what happens early on in life is that at a certain age one stands still and stagnates." – T.S. Eliot

In this powerful reflection on life’s progression, Eliot challenges the conventional understanding of aging, suggesting that it is not merely the passage of time that leads to our decline, but rather our inactivity and refusal to evolve. To grow older is to move forward, to engage with life’s changing tides; but at a certain point, many become complacent, shackled by the weight of their past, frozen in the moment of youthful ambition or past triumphs. The soul, untested and unmoved, falters, stagnating like a river that no longer flows. To stagnate is to deny the very essence of life, which is ever-changing, ever-persistent. It is in this stillness that we lose the vitality that once coursed through our veins.

We are reminded of Leonardo da Vinci, a man whose life was a continuous exploration of curiosity and growth. Even in his later years, when his body grew frail, his mind and heart were active, forever pushing the boundaries of human knowledge. He never stood still, never allowed the world to pass him by. This refusal to stagnate fueled his genius, and in doing so, he defied the very idea of growing old. Da Vinci’s life serves as a testament to the idea that age is but a number—what matters is the spirit of exploration and innovation that we continue to cultivate within ourselves.

Eliot’s words speak to the core of human existence: we are meant to evolve. Time may weather our bodies, but it should not leave our souls stagnant. When we cease to learn, to create, or to dream, we begin to wither, like flowers denied the sun. True growth is not about accumulating years, but about embracing the journey, understanding that each step, each new challenge, and every failure holds the seed of transformation. Just as the caterpillar transforms into the butterfly, so must we transform, shedding the skin of our past selves to take flight into new possibilities.

Consider Nelson Mandela, whose journey from political prisoner to president of South Africa exemplifies Eliot’s wisdom. In the face of decades of imprisonment and hardship, he never stood still. His inner world remained vibrant and evolving, and upon his release, he did not seek comfort in his past, but instead sought to heal a divided nation. He continued to grow, even as the world around him seemed to stand still. Mandela's legacy teaches us that growth comes not from the passage of time, but from how we choose to use that time to push forward.

There is also Mahatma Gandhi, whose life, though marked by physical wear, was a constant evolution of the mind and spirit. At an age when many retreat from the world, Gandhi embraced new ideas, strategies, and challenges, always with the goal of serving others. His message of non-violence and self-reliance proved that true growth comes from within, from a deep commitment to change not only ourselves but also the world around us.

Thus, the lesson Eliot imparts is clear: growth is not a mechanical process tied to age but is a conscious decision. We can all choose to continue moving, learning, and evolving, regardless of how many years have passed. To stagnate is to forsake the power we hold over our own lives. Let us, then, embrace the fluidity of existence, remaining active in our quest for meaning, purpose, and connection.

The practical action here is simple, yet profound: never cease to learn, explore, and create. Whether through new experiences, new relationships, or personal challenges, we must remain in motion. Find the thing that excites you, that calls you to action, and pursue it with the same vigor you had in your youth. For in doing so, we defy the very notion of growing old. We will forever be young in spirit, for we have chosen to keep moving, always evolving, and never standing still.