I'm like old wine. They don't bring me out very often - but I'm

In the vast journey of human existence, where time marches relentlessly forward, there are moments when the wisdom and experience of age are both revered and hidden. Rose Kennedy, matriarch of the Kennedy family, once humorously stated, “I’m like old wine. They don’t bring me out very often—but I’m well preserved.” In these words, we hear not only the humility and grace of a woman who lived through decades of change, but also a profound reflection on the nature of age, value, and legacy. It is a statement that reveals how time, rather than diminishing the essence of a person, can serve to preserve and enhance their strength, wisdom, and beauty.

In the ancient world, the passing of time was always seen as a double-edged sword—while it could age the body, it was also a source of wisdom and respect. Consider the revered philosophers of Greece and Rome—Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle—whose wisdom was only sharpened by the years. The elderly were seen as repositories of knowledge, and their counsel was sought not just for their experience, but because they had lived long enough to understand the complexities of human nature. Plato often argued that old age was a time to reflect and teach, to pass on the lessons of a life well lived, not as a diminishing of the self, but as an opportunity to guide others with the clarity that only time can provide.

Rose Kennedy’s words echo this ancient truth—old age is not a period of decline but one of preservation. Just as old wine becomes richer and more complex with age, so too do the lives of those who have lived fully, gaining wisdom and perspective from the years that have passed. This idea is present throughout history—take the example of the Chinese sage Confucius, who continued to share his insights into human behavior and governance well into his old age. Despite the physical limitations that age may bring, the mind and spirit can remain sharp, full of insights that only the passing of time can nurture.

The wine analogy is fitting, for wine too is a product of careful preservation and patience. Just as a fine wine matures over time, absorbing the characteristics of the land, the climate, and the process by which it is made, so too do the lessons of life become more refined as we age. The vintage of a person, much like that of wine, becomes more precious and valuable with time. Rose Kennedy’s statement serves as a reminder that while the world may not always recognize the contributions of those who are older, their richness remains, even when they are kept in the background.

Throughout history, many great individuals have been undervalued in their later years, only to have their legacy fully appreciated once their time on earth had passed. The story of Leonardo da Vinci is one such example. In his later years, Leonardo was less active in his artistic endeavors, but it was in this period that he created some of his most reflective work, studying the natural world with an intensity and depth that few could match. His genius only deepened with time, and the full immensity of his contributions was not fully recognized until long after his death. Just as wine matures in the quiet stillness of the cellar, so too does the value of the experienced mind reveal itself in the passage of time.

The lesson here is one of patience, value, and reflection. In a world that often prioritizes youth and innovation, it is easy to overlook the wisdom that comes with age. Yet, time does not simply take; it also gives. It gives clarity, it gives perspective, and it gives the opportunity to reflect on the lessons of life. Rose Kennedy’s words are a call to honor elder wisdom—to recognize that those who have lived long lives are not to be hidden away but celebrated for the richness they offer. The world may not always bring them out often, but their value endures, preserved by the years that have passed.

In our own lives, we must take pride in the experiences that shape us, understanding that the challenges and triumphs we face mature us, just as wine matures over time. Youth may be vibrant and full of potential, but it is the older generations that hold the keys to deeper understanding and insight. Whether in our personal relationships, our work, or our communities, we must seek to preserve and honor the lessons of time, knowing that each passing year adds another layer of wisdom to our being. Just as the world cherishes its finest wines, so too should we cherish the soul and spirit that has been well-preserved by time.