The older I grow the more I distrust the familiar doctrine that

"The older I grow, the more I distrust the familiar doctrine that age brings wisdom." These words, spoken by the keen observer H.L. Mencken, challenge a long-held belief that as the years pass, they inevitably bring with them greater wisdom. The idea that age grants us deeper understanding and clearer insight into the world is so ingrained in many societies that it has become almost unquestionable. And yet, Mencken’s words invite us to question this doctrine, urging us to see that age, while often accompanied by experience, does not always lead to wisdom. There is a subtle but powerful distinction between the accumulation of years and the acquisition of true understanding, and Mencken calls us to recognize that these are not necessarily one and the same.

At the heart of Mencken's observation is the recognition that wisdom is not simply a byproduct of time passing, but a choice. Many of us, as we age, fall into the trap of believing that the accumulation of experience automatically leads to profound insight. We assume that because we have seen much and lived long, we have also understood much. But this is not always the case. Just as a vineyard may produce many grapes without necessarily yielding fine wine, so too can a life pass through many years without necessarily producing wisdom. The true wisdom of age lies not in the passing of years, but in how those years are lived and the lessons learned along the way.

Let us turn, O children of the earth, to the example of Socrates, the great philosopher who spent his life questioning everything, even the most fundamental truths of existence. Socrates, though an elder in his time, did not blindly accept the doctrines of his age, nor did he believe that age alone brought him understanding. His wisdom was not merely a product of his years, but of his constant inquiry, his unyielding search for truth. Socrates famously declared, “I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.” In his later years, he did not sit back and rely on his age to guide him; rather, he continued to question, to challenge, and to seek knowledge with the same fervor he had in his youth. His life stands as proof that wisdom comes not simply from years, but from the pursuit of understanding—a pursuit that must be renewed daily, no matter how many years one has lived.

In contrast, consider the story of King Lear, the tragic Shakespearean figure who, despite his years and royal stature, is blind to the lessons of life and the consequences of his actions. Lear, as he ages, is consumed by pride and vanity, and he cannot see the truth that lies before him. His story is a stark reminder that age does not necessarily bring wisdom. In fact, his failure to learn from experience leads to his ultimate downfall. Lear’s age did not make him wise; it made him stubborn, and his refusal to embrace true insight cost him everything. His fate serves as a warning to us all: without humility, without the openness to learn and grow, age alone cannot deliver wisdom.

Mencken’s distrust of the idea that age brings wisdom is rooted in the recognition that many people grow old without ever truly learning the most important lessons life has to offer. The mind can grow rigid and set in its ways just as the body grows frail. Experience alone does not guarantee insight; rather, it is the willingness to reflect, to seek truth, and to humble oneself before life’s mysteries that leads to true understanding. Wisdom requires the courage to question, the ability to adapt, and the openness to challenge old beliefs in light of new truths.

And so, O seekers of wisdom, let us not be deceived by the mere passage of time. Age is not a guarantee of understanding. To grow old with wisdom, we must actively pursue it. We must engage with the world not with the complacency of years but with the vitality of curiosity. It is not enough to grow old; we must grow wise. We must, like Socrates, constantly examine our own beliefs, question the status quo, and strive to learn from each experience. Only then can the years truly bring the wisdom we seek.

As you walk the path of life, remember that the greatest wisdom does not come from the mere accumulation of years but from the thoughtful reflection on those years, the courage to face the truth, and the humility to learn from both your triumphs and your mistakes. Let your age be a guide to growth, and let each year be a step toward greater understanding, not a mark of complacency or self-satisfaction. For as Mencken teaches us, wisdom is not automatically granted by age; it must be earned, sought after, and cultivated with care and diligence.