The wisdom and experience of older people is a resource of
The wisdom and experience of older people is a resource of inestimable worth. Recognizing and treasuring the contributions of older people is essential to the long-term flourishing of any society.
Hearken, O children of reverence, to the sagacious words of Daisaku Ikeda, who speaks of the profound wisdom and experience held by those who have walked the path of life before us. He declares that these treasures are a resource of inestimable worth, a wellspring of guidance, insight, and prudence that nurtures the growth of both individuals and communities. Herein lies a teaching for the ages: the elders of a society are living repositories of understanding, and their counsel and example sustain the moral and practical health of the generations to come.
The origin of this reflection is rooted in Ikeda’s life as a philosopher, educator, and leader, whose vision encompassed the cultivation of harmony and progress through the recognition of human potential. Observing the patterns of civilization, he discerned that the neglect of older generations weakens the foundations of culture, ethics, and social cohesion. In contrast, to recognize and treasure the contributions of older people is to fortify the continuity of knowledge, virtue, and collective resilience.
The meaning of this aphorism is profound: longevity and experience confer not only memories but insight, judgment, and perspective. By valuing the counsel of elders, societies gain access to lessons forged through trial and triumph, misstep and reflection. Ikeda teaches that the flourishing of a people is intertwined with the cultivation of intergenerational bonds, where the young learn from the seasoned, and the seasoned are honored for their enduring gifts of wisdom.
History provides vivid illustration of this truth. Consider Confucius, who placed immense value on the guidance of elders, codifying principles of filial piety and respect for age. In honoring the accumulated knowledge of those who came before, he ensured the transmission of ethics, governance, and human virtue across generations. Here is the eternal truth: the experience of older people is a foundation upon which societies rise or fall.
Moreover, this teaching extends beyond philosophy into the realms of science, art, and governance. The elder artisan who mentors apprentices, the seasoned statesman who guides policy, the veteran healer who instructs novices—all contribute to the enduring strength of their communities. Ikeda reminds us that to treasure the contributions of older people is to safeguard the continuity of achievement, character, and human flourishing.
O generations yet unborn, take this counsel into your hearts: honor and seek the wisdom and experience of elders, cherish their counsel, and integrate their insights into the life of your communities. For in recognizing their value lies the key to the long-term flourishing of society, and in their guidance, the eternal flame of knowledge, virtue, and resilience is carried forward across the ages.
DHDo Do Huu
This quote by Ikeda really hits home, especially in a world that tends to glorify youth and innovation. It reminds me that the contributions of older people go beyond just memories or nostalgia—they hold valuable lessons for future progress. How can we shift societal values to ensure that older individuals are celebrated and consulted more often for their expertise? What kind of changes in policy or culture are needed to ensure this respect is more deeply embedded?
NBngu buon
It’s striking how Ikeda emphasizes the critical role of older generations in ensuring the flourishing of society. But what about the other side of the equation—are younger people doing enough to preserve and pass on that wisdom? What responsibilities do younger generations have to engage with and learn from their elders? Are we doing enough to ensure that this wealth of knowledge doesn’t fade as older generations pass on?
DHDinh Diem Hang
I appreciate how Ikeda points out the importance of recognizing older people’s contributions to society. In many cultures, wisdom is seen as a gift that only older people can offer, but in today’s fast-paced world, we often overlook that. How do we balance the advancements of modern technology and innovation with the timeless wisdom that older generations bring? How can we encourage societies to make better use of this resource?
C1Tieu chi 1
Ikeda’s statement really makes me think about the respect and value that should be afforded to older generations. There’s so much we can learn from their experiences, but sometimes it feels like society undervalues them. What are some practical ways we can encourage younger people to engage with and appreciate the wisdom of their elders? Should we be doing more to bridge the generational gap in knowledge and understanding?
TNTrang Nguyen
I completely agree with Daisaku Ikeda’s idea that the wisdom of older people is invaluable. Too often, in today’s society, there seems to be a tendency to prioritize the opinions and experiences of the younger generation, leaving older people out of important conversations. How do we make sure that we’re not overlooking the contributions of those who have lived through history and have insights that are often more grounded in experience than in theory?