The wiser you get, the more experience you have, and the more you

The gentle hum of the café filled the space, blending with the soft tapping of rain against the window. Jack sat across from Jeeny, his coffee cup cradled in his hands, his gaze fixed on the wet streets outside. Jeeny, sitting opposite him, seemed lost in thought, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup.

Host: After a moment of quiet, Jeeny spoke, her voice thoughtful, with a hint of reflection.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote from Vanessa Williams today that made me think about how our perspective shifts over time. She said, ‘The wiser you get, the more experience you have, and the more you see people for who they are as human beings, as opposed to figures you have to fight against.’ What do you think about that? Do you think that, as we gain wisdom, we start seeing people less as obstacles and more as fellow human beings?”

Jack: He looked up, a small smile crossing his face. “I think Williams is pointing to something really important about growth and empathy. As we gain more experience in life, we start to see people not just as roles or figures to be navigated or fought against, but as individuals with their own experiences, struggles, and humanity. The more we understand ourselves and the world around us, the more we realize that people aren’t just adversaries or challenges—they’re complex, multi-dimensional beings.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. When we’re younger or less experienced, it’s easy to reduce people to labels—‘the boss,’ ‘the competitor,’ ‘the enemy.’ But as we grow older and gain more wisdom, we begin to recognize that everyone has a story, a perspective, and their own battles. It’s less about seeing them as something to oppose and more about understanding who they are and what they’re going through. We stop fighting against them and start looking at how we can relate to them, even when we disagree.”

Host: The rain outside had softened, leaving a quiet stillness in the café. Jack shifted slightly, his fingers still resting on his coffee cup as he continued.

Jack: “It’s a shift from seeing life as a constant battle to recognizing that growth comes through connection, through empathy. People are rarely just one thing or another. They’re layered, and the more experience we have, the more we realize that. The more we learn to see people as whole beings, with their own desires and vulnerabilities, the more we can engage with them on a human level rather than just seeing them as someone to fight or compete with.”

Jeeny: “Yes, and I think that change in perspective is really freeing. It allows you to let go of a lot of tension and resentment. When you stop seeing people as obstacles or opponents, you can begin to work together more easily, even when you have differences. The wisdom that comes with experience allows you to recognize the common humanity in others, which leads to more meaningful connections.”

Host: The conversation seemed to deepen, as if they were both reflecting on the way wisdom shapes how we view others. Jack set his coffee cup down gently, his expression softening.

Jack: “And I think there’s something really powerful in that change. It’s a liberation from seeing people as challenges and instead seeing them as partners in this shared journey. It makes interactions more authentic because you’re not trying to win against them—you’re engaging with them, understanding them, and figuring out how to move forward together. The fight isn’t external; it’s about how you both grow from the experience.”

Jeeny: Her smile was small but filled with understanding. “Exactly. It’s a shift in mindset—moving from a place of competition to one of collaboration, compassion, and understanding. As we grow wiser, we begin to see the value in connecting with others in a way that transcends our differences. It’s about embracing our shared humanity.”

Host: The rain had stopped, and the stillness in the café felt peaceful. Inside, Jack and Jeeny sat in the realization that true wisdom comes not from fighting against others, but from recognizing their humanity and understanding them for who they truly are. Vanessa Williams’ words serve as a reminder that the more we experience life, the more we realize that connection, empathy, and understanding are the keys to growth—both for ourselves and for our relationships with others.