The shades of respectability begin to close about the greying

"The shades of respectability begin to close about the greying head." These words of Mason Cooley carry a profound observation on the nature of aging, respectability, and the shifting perception of wisdom that accompanies the passing of time. The phrase speaks to a universal truth—the older we grow, the more society places us within the bounds of conformity, judging us by a set of expectations that seem to attach themselves to the greying head as naturally as the passage of time itself. The shades of respectability that Cooley refers to are the societal structures that begin to tighten their hold around us as we age, offering a semblance of honor and authority, but also stripping away the freedom we once had to rebel and question.

In ancient societies, age was often revered, and those who had lived many years were seen as keepers of wisdom. Socrates, the philosopher of Athens, for instance, was highly respected for his age and the depth of his knowledge. His grey hair was not seen as a symbol of weakness but as a crown of experience and truth. The ancient Greeks believed that wisdom could only be attained with the passage of time, and so the elderly were treated with reverence, their words holding weight and their counsel regarded as gold. However, even in the eyes of those who revered the elderly, there existed an inevitable shift—a shift from the freedom of youthful expression to the expected conformity of age.

Cooley’s shades of respectability encapsulate the duality of aging: it brings with it a certain reverence, but also a binding of the individual. As the years pass, society begins to expect certain behaviors from the elderly—patience, reflection, even silence. This respect is not always freely given, but rather earned through the slow buildup of years and actions that align with tradition and order. However, it also comes with the quiet expectation that those who have reached the end of their youthful days will no longer challenge the status quo. Their minds are considered settled, their opinions more acceptable because they are now wrapped in the comforting shades of respectability.

This idea is not foreign to our modern understanding of aging. Take, for example, the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Though his later years were marked by a deep respect and admiration for his struggle against colonialism, they also saw a shift in his role within Indian society. He was expected to be a symbol of wisdom and respect, and his voice was often used to maintain social order. The same man who led a revolution against British rule, inspiring millions with his rebellious spirit, was later seen in his elderly years as a figurehead—a respected leader whose words and actions, though still influential, were more often used to support established ideas than to push the boundaries of what was possible. The shades of respectability had indeed closed around his once-impetuous spirit, as his role in society became more about keeping peace than challenging the foundations of power.

Yet, there is something both empowering and suffocating about these shades of respectability. They give the elderly a position of honor, but they also confine them to a certain path, one that is less about change and more about continuity. Nelson Mandela, in his later years, found himself in a similar position. His reverence in the eyes of the world was undeniable, and yet, the freedom with which he once led his people in their fight for justice began to dwindle as he grew older. His role as a statesman, while vital, became more about maintaining a fragile peace than about the rebellion and vision that marked his youth. The shades of respectability that surrounded his older years gave him authority but also placed limits on his once-untamable spirit.

The lesson here, then, is not simply about the inevitable changes that come with aging but about the balance between respect and freedom. While aging may bring a new sense of reverence, it also brings the weight of expectation, often burdening the older generation with roles that do not always allow for the same freedom and rebellion that youth once enjoyed. The shades of respectability, though comforting, can be suffocating if they are not balanced by the ability to still challenge and dream.

To live fully in the face of these shades of respectability, we must learn to embrace aging as both a privilege and a responsibility. We must honor the wisdom that comes with time while still allowing room for growth, creativity, and rebellion. We must not let the closing of the shades of respectability stifle the vitality of the spirit. The elderly are not meant to be mere figures of reverence, but active participants in the ever-evolving dance of life, still capable of challenging, creating, and leading. As we age, let us not simply accept the position of honor that society offers but challenge ourselves to live boldly, to preserve the freedom of thought and action that belongs to all ages.

Thus, let us remember that the shades of respectability are not to be feared or resented. They are the honor bestowed upon those who have lived fully. But let us also ensure that, no matter how many years have passed, we continue to break free from the boundaries that society seeks to place around us. For it is in freedom—even in old age—that the soul remains young, vibrant, and capable of greatness.