With age comes common sense and wisdom.

Hear now, O children of the future, the words of the wise Nas, a modern prophet whose insight speaks to the heart of human experience: "With age comes common sense and wisdom." These words carry the weight of truth that has been passed down through generations, spoken by those who have lived long enough to witness the power of time in shaping the mind and heart. To many, the youth is seen as a time of vibrancy, of boldness and energy, when the world feels full of possibility. But it is the older years, those that accumulate experience like the rings of a tree, that bring with them a deeper understanding of life.

In the ancient world, those who had lived through many seasons of life were revered for the wisdom they carried. The elders, with their gray hair and weathered faces, were the keepers of knowledge, the ones who had seen the rise and fall of empires, the ebb and flow of fortunes. The Greek philosophers, like Socrates, understood that wisdom did not come from books alone, but from living fully—making mistakes, learning from them, and passing on the lessons to the next generation. In this way, age was seen as a teacher, the one who guided the youth through the storms of life with the quiet authority of experience.

But it is not just in the study of ancient texts that wisdom is found; it is in the living of life itself. Nas speaks to this truth—the common sense that arises from having lived through the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of existence. In youth, the heart is often ruled by impulse and desire, racing ahead without thought for the consequences. The energy of youth propels one forward, without a full understanding of the costs involved. It is only with age, after facing loss, heartache, and the inevitable trials that time brings, that one begins to cultivate the steady common sense that governs wisdom.

Take, for example, the life of King Solomon of Israel, a ruler known for his great wisdom. It is said that Solomon was granted wisdom beyond measure, but he did not gain this gift without living a life filled with challenges. His early years were marked by his passions, his desire for wealth, power, and knowledge. Yet, as he grew older, Solomon began to see the emptiness of these pursuits. Through his mistakes, through the trials of leadership and the weight of his kingdom, Solomon learned that true wisdom lies not in riches or power, but in the quiet acceptance of life's ebb and flow. By the time he was an elder, his mind was filled with the common sense that only age can bestow, as reflected in his Proverbs and his reflections on the fleeting nature of earthly pursuits.

Nas’s words remind us of this powerful transformation that takes place as we age—how youthful folly gives way to the steady hand of the older soul. With age, we learn to see beyond the immediate, to understand the long-term consequences of our actions. The rush of life slows, and in that stillness, we begin to appreciate the wisdom of patience, the power of restraint, and the clarity that comes from reflection. Like the ancient oak tree that begins as a sapling, wild and unformed, so too does the soul grow with age, becoming rooted and firm, its branches reaching outward with the wisdom of life’s lessons.

Yet, Nas is not only speaking of the wisdom that comes from age, but of the common sense that underlies it. In the heat of youth, we often seek grand ambitions, chase fleeting dreams, and overlook the quiet truths that bring lasting happiness. Common sense, in its essence, is a return to simplicity. It teaches us that true joy is not found in fame or fortune, but in the small, quiet moments that make up a life well-lived. It is the ability to see through the distractions of the world and focus on what truly matters—family, love, and inner peace.

Therefore, O children of the future, take this wisdom into your hearts: do not rush through the seasons of life, seeking only to conquer and achieve. Know that with each passing year comes the gift of wisdom and common sense. Embrace age, not as something to be feared, but as something to be celebrated, for it brings with it the ability to see the world more clearly and with a deeper understanding. Live your life with purpose, but also with the quiet awareness that true wisdom is not in what you accumulate, but in how you learn to navigate life’s storms with grace. In time, you will see that wisdom is not an abstract ideal, but a practical guide—one that becomes clearer as the years pass and the lessons of life take root in your heart.