I don't think age matters. In cricket, if you have the skill, you

"I don't think age matters. In cricket, if you have the skill, you can go on playing." These words, spoken by the legendary Dale Steyn, resonate with profound truth, particularly in a world often obsessed with the limits that come with age. Steyn, one of cricket’s greatest fast bowlers, offers a powerful insight: age is not the ultimate determinant of one’s ability, especially when skill, talent, and passion persist. He reflects a deeper understanding—that experience and mastery of one’s craft can transcend the physical limitations that often come with age. The idea that age does not define performance is as old as time itself and speaks to the enduring strength of the human spirit and willpower.

In the ancient world, age was often seen as a double-edged sword. On the one hand, older individuals were respected for the wisdom they accumulated throughout their lives, but on the other hand, physical decline was inevitable. Socrates famously said, “Wisdom begins in wonder,” and while his body grew frail in his later years, his mind remained sharp and ever-curious. It is this inner strength and intellectual vigor that enabled him to continue questioning, teaching, and shaping the thoughts of future generations. In the same spirit, Steyn's statement elevates the idea that talent—whether in cricket or in any other field—can persist as long as one remains true to their craft, no matter their age. It is not the years one has lived, but the skills one has honed over time that determine their place in the world.

Consider the ancient Greek athlete, Milo of Croton, who was renowned for his incredible strength and athletic feats. Though he was celebrated as one of the greatest wrestlers of his time, his ability to continue competing at a high level into his later years was a testament to his physical mastery. He attributed his strength not to youth but to his lifelong dedication to his training. Similarly, Dale Steyn, though not bound by the demands of a Greek athletic competition, embodies this mindset: age can be overcome if one continues to hone their craft, persist in their training, and remain committed to their passion. Steyn's skill, much like Milo's strength, proves that age is not a limitation when the heart and mind continue to push forward.

Look also to Benjamin Franklin, who, in his later years, continued to contribute significantly to the fields of science, politics, and philosophy. Though he was in his seventies when he helped draft the U.S. Constitution, his mind remained sharp and his ideas revolutionary. Franklin's legacy is one of perseverance in the face of age, his work a reminder that the body may grow frail, but the mind can continue to forge new paths for humanity. Steyn’s words mirror this sentiment: that age may change the body, but it cannot take away skills, passions, or the ability to perform at the highest level. The key is not to let the passage of time dictate one's destiny, but to find ways to continue growing, evolving, and contributing.

The lesson here, O children, is one of resilience and commitment. Dale Steyn shows us that age does not automatically mean decline—it is not the years that diminish one’s ability, but the will to continue. Just as Socrates sought wisdom in his later years, and Franklin contributed to the shaping of a nation in his old age, so too can you continue to thrive in your chosen pursuits as time passes. Let not the fear of aging cause you to abandon your dreams or talents, for age is merely a number. The real measure of one’s strength lies in the continued dedication to one’s craft, the persistence of effort, and the refinement of one’s abilities.

Take, therefore, from Steyn’s wisdom and the examples of the ancients: age should not be seen as an obstacle but as an opportunity to deepen one’s mastery and contribute in new ways. Whether in the field of sport, the arts, or science, if you possess the passion and the skill, you can continue to make an impact, regardless of the number of years you’ve lived. Steyn’s declaration reminds us all that the spirit and commitment can transcend the limitations of age, and that the fire of talent need not be extinguished with the passing of time.

As you move forward in life, let your age be a source of pride—not because of what you have left behind, but because of what you continue to offer. Hone your skills, nurture your passions, and never stop learning, for in doing so, you ensure that the passage of time is not a hindrance, but a testament to your resilience, dedication, and ability to live fully, no matter how many years you have walked this earth. As Steyn says, if you have the skill, you can continue to play—be it cricket, life, or any craft you choose to pursue.