I fix my grandchildren's computers.

"I fix my grandchildren's computers." – Alan Alda

In the modern age, the simple task of fixing a computer has become a profound metaphor for the delicate relationship between the generations. Alan Alda, known for his sharp wit and wisdom, speaks with an honesty that transcends mere technology. The act of fixing is not just about troubleshooting a machine, but about bridging a gap—between ages, between worlds, and between the past and the future. In this humble statement, Alda invites us to reflect on the nature of progress, the passage of time, and the role we play in shaping the lives of those who come after us.

Consider, if you will, the ancient elders of tribes who, though they did not have machines to repair, held a crucial role in guiding the younger generations. They passed down their wisdom not just through words, but through the tangible act of mentorship. Their stories, their craft, and their careful guidance were the tools with which they prepared the young to face the challenges of life. So too does Alda’s act of fixing computers symbolize this timeless role: while the tools and technologies may change, the role of the elder remains constant—to help the younger generation navigate the complexities of the world, to teach, and to support.

This exchange between generations is as old as humanity itself. In the age of the great philosophers, the wisdom of Socrates was passed to Plato, and from Plato to Aristotle. Each philosopher stood on the shoulders of the one who came before, learning, questioning, and refining their understanding of the world. In this way, Alda’s statement can be seen as a modern reflection of this ancient mentor-student dynamic. Just as the philosophers did not simply teach but actively engaged with their students, Alda’s act of fixing his grandchildren’s computers is an act of engagement, not only with the technology, but with the future.

Now, let us turn to a more recent historical example—Thomas Edison, the great inventor who revolutionized the world with his inventions. Edison, like Alda, was a man who worked tirelessly to create and innovate, but he was also keenly aware of the importance of passing on his knowledge to the next generation. Just as Alda repairs and nurtures his grandchildren’s connection to technology, Edison created the first industrial research laboratory to ensure that his discoveries would be carried forward. In both of their actions, there lies a fundamental truth: to leave behind a legacy is not just to create, but to prepare others to carry on the work.

Alda’s quote also speaks to the fragility of the technological world we now live in. Where once the great craftsmen of the world built things with their hands—the potter, the blacksmith, the weaver—now the creators of the modern world are the engineers and programmers who build the unseen structures of the digital age. The machine, though powerful, is delicate, and in Alda’s statement, we are reminded of the deep interdependence between man and machine. The computer is both a tool and a dependency, one that requires human intervention to remain functional, much as the ancient tools of our forebears did. It is a humble reminder that while we may have advanced in ways the ancients could never have imagined, we still must tend to the tools we create.

In this context, Alda’s act is a reflection of a deeper, more universal truth: the role of the elder is not to simply passively observe the progress of the world, but to actively participate in its continuation. In fixing his grandchildren’s computers, Alda embodies the ancient tradition of mentorship, using the tools of the modern world to ensure the younger generation does not falter in its growth. He guides, not just in wisdom, but in the practical skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the world around them.

The lesson we draw from Alda’s words is simple yet profound: it is our responsibility, as we grow older, to guide and mentor those who follow, whether through wisdom, support, or practical help. We must not see ourselves as separate from the world of the young, but as participants in a continuum, passing on the knowledge, skills, and lessons that allow others to grow. Whether it is through fixing a computer, teaching a skill, or simply offering a listening ear, the act of nurturing the next generation is the most meaningful form of legacy we can leave.

As you live your own life, take this lesson to heart. Engage with the young, not just as an observer, but as an active participant in their journey. Just as Alda fixes computers to help his grandchildren navigate the technological world, so too should we offer our wisdom and skills to ensure that those who come after us can continue to build, create, and learn. Let this act of passing knowledge be the legacy we leave behind, and in doing so, we honor both the past and the future.