I suspect I was not the first 21-year-old who thought he knew

"I suspect I was not the first 21-year-old who thought he knew more than he did. And one of the virtues of age, one of the virtues of getting married and becoming a father, is it often leads one to take a more measured approach to life." These words, spoken by Ted Cruz, touch on the profound transformation that comes with age, experience, and the responsibilities of life. At the tender age of 21, a young person is often filled with ambition, confidence, and the intoxicating belief that they have mastered the world around them. It is an age of idealism, of certainty, yet also an age of naivety, for the years have not yet afforded the wisdom that only time and experience can bring. Cruz’s reflection acknowledges the humbling nature of growing older and the deeper understanding that emerges when one’s life is shaped by marriage, parenthood, and the burdens of responsibility.

In the early years of life, we are often consumed by the illusion of certainty. The young mind, untested by the trials and tribulations of life, tends to believe that the world is simple, that answers are clear, and that one's own understanding is more complete than it truly is. Yet, as the years go by, this sense of certainty is shattered by the complexities of life. The journey through life is not linear, and as we encounter challenges—whether in love, in work, or in parenthood—we are forced to confront the limitations of our knowledge and the fragility of our understanding. It is through these experiences that we come to realize that the true wisdom of life lies not in certainty, but in humility and the ability to listen, to learn, and to adjust our views.

This idea is reflected in the life of the great Socrates, who, even in his advanced age, famously declared that he knew nothing. As a young man, Socrates might have believed that he had a firm grasp on the world and the truths that governed it. Yet, through years of dialogue and reflection, he came to understand that true wisdom lay not in possessing answers but in constantly seeking the truth, recognizing one’s limitations, and remaining open to new knowledge. Socrates' wisdom came not from the certainty of youth but from the humility gained through years of questioning, learning, and growing. His life teaches us that true maturity is marked not by the accumulation of facts, but by the willingness to acknowledge the complexity of life and the need to adapt to it.

Similarly, King Solomon, revered in biblical tradition for his wisdom, was a young man who, though filled with promise, faced the weight of leadership at a young age. But it was only when he became a ruler, with the responsibilities of an entire nation upon his shoulders, that he was granted the wisdom to rule justly. Solomon’s request for wisdom instead of wealth or power is emblematic of the understanding that leadership and maturity come with experience and reflection. His wisdom grew as he faced the trials of leadership, teaching us that it is the challenges we face and the responsibilities we bear that allow us to gain the measured approach to life that Cruz speaks of.

Cruz’s acknowledgment of the virtue of age and the lessons learned through marriage and parenthood resonates with anyone who has lived through the transition from youth to adulthood. The burdens of responsibility, whether in caring for a partner or raising children, often serve as the crucible through which we are refined. These experiences strip away the illusion of control and force us to confront the reality that life is full of uncertainty and complexity. They teach us that patience, empathy, and a measured approach are not just virtues to aspire to, but essential qualities that help us navigate the inevitable difficulties and decisions of life.

The lesson here is clear: youthful confidence—though a natural part of the human experience—is not always synonymous with wisdom. True wisdom comes not from knowing it all, but from the ability to reflect, to recognize our limitations, and to approach the world with humility. As Cruz notes, the experience of marriage and parenthood serves as a powerful teacher, showing us the importance of patience, understanding, and the ability to adapt to life’s unexpected turns. Time itself, as it passes, reshapes our perspective and reveals the depth of our understanding.

In practical terms, Cruz’s reflection calls us to embrace life’s complexities and value the lessons that come with age and experience. The confidence of youth is valuable, but it must be tempered with the understanding that true maturity comes from reflection and the willingness to change. As we grow older, we must continually strive to be more measured, to approach life with a sense of calm and thoughtfulness, understanding that each moment is an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to be more attuned to the needs of others. This is the path to true wisdom—not in the haste to be right, but in the courage to be patient, to listen, and to learn.

In conclusion, the words of Ted Cruz remind us that age is not simply a measure of time, but a means of growth. It is through the challenges we face, the responsibilities we bear, and the humility we cultivate that we gain the wisdom to live a measured, meaningful life. Let us not rush through the years, but embrace each stage with the understanding that with every passing moment, we have the chance to grow in wisdom and grace, and to approach life with a heart that is open, patient, and ready to learn.