Do you really learn and develop as you get older

dd972

As someone with a few years on the clock, let's just say I'm nearer to 50 than 20, I often wonder to myself, do people really learn from their mistakes or develop wisdom as they get older or are people doomed to repeat the same mistakes?

You change physically and your energy levels atrophy but does the real you that lives inside your head, the soul for want of a better description get older or gain wisdom?

Biggins

You learn more but as you get older your more prone to making different mistakes as memories fade sometimes (for me anyway) I find.

deelite

I think you learn when to keep your mouth shut and pick your fights more wisely.

laoch na mona

sociology says we do

FloatingVoter

Some people keep repeating the same mistakes - speaking of which, I'm off for a drink now.

Shenshen

I'm not yet near 50, but near enough to 40 to consider starting to lie about my actual age.
Personally, I'm a very different person to who I was at 20... far less idealistic, and by extension far less fanatic bout my ideals.
Definitely more reasonable, and just generally more balanced. Resigned, if you want to call it that.

And, surprisingly, a lot more happy.

Shryke

I think it's down to a person making the effort to better themselves and challenge themselves as opposed to slowly expiring on a couch or bar stool.

Zen65

dd972 wrote: »

I often wonder to myself, do people really learn from their mistakes or develop wisdom as they get older or are people doomed to repeat the same mistakes?

Some do, some don't.

If I've learned anything at all from my years, it is that generalisations are always wrong!

Be at peace,

Z

itac

I know I certainly have-am 29, feel about 39, but have moments of acting like a giggly 5 year old, especially when I catch up with certain friends.

I've kept some form of online diary/blog for the last 12 years or so, and it's funny to read back on my ramblings from then, comparing with who I am now. There's the makings of me now, but as a poster above said, I think I've just settled into myself now. I'm at that stage in life where I pick my battles, and if someone wants to rant away at me to try and get me to change my mind, I let them. I know what I believe and I'm ok with that.

I think, as Zen65 said, some people do, some people don't. To me, that's what makes life so interesting sometimes;)

dvpower

Zen65 wrote: »

If I've learned anything at all from my years, it is that generalisations are always wrong!

Including this one?

Pherekydes

Nope, I'm still doing the same thing I did as a six week-old baby.

Ugh, what was that I just ate off the floor...

Daveysil15

As Rod Stewart said..."I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was younger. I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was stronger."

BBDBB

Only if you want to and are willing to pay attention OP

opinion guy

dd972 wrote: »

As someone with a few years on the clock, let's just say I'm nearer to 50 than 20, I often wonder to myself, do people really learn from their mistakes or develop wisdom as they get older or are people doomed to repeat the same mistakes?

You change physically and your energy levels atrophy but does the real you that lives inside your head, the soul for want of a better description get older or gain wisdom?

Well its kind of down to you isn't it. Some people decide they know it all and choose not to actively learn any more. Others work on and continue to learn as time goes on.

So do something about it. Take a dance class or learn a language

Eve_Dublin

Thanks be to the big baby in the sky I'm older and wiser and more settled in my head generally. Definitely have much more cop on now but I do slip up now and then and revert back to my early-20s self. I don't think I'll ever lose that.

Pottler

You just get better experienced at covering up your mistakes. I don't think your inner Risteard ever fully goes away. Mine doesn't anyway.