We live in a world that loves youth, perhaps more than any other age. Past generations have respected those with gray on their temples and the look of wisdom (1) in their eyes. This is no longer the case. Our civilization wants us to be young — the younger the better!
The apex of this whole movement has to be the baby beauty pageant. (2) Here you have children who are effectively sexualized to serve an ever-expanding youth market — terrifying! On the one hand, society is calling for women’s liberation so that they can live the lives they truly desire, unencumbered by civilization’s traditional values. And on the other, we see the exploitation of female children. It makes little sense!
We know the body will age. With the fashion industry, the medical profession has a newly created market. Plastic surgery abounds. It is eerie to see a group of Korean women, for example. (3) All so beautiful and yet so similar in their features.
Now, everyone wants to look healthy and attractive. That certainly goes without saying! How will we keep our bodies youthful and not succumb to the temptation of vanity?
This is a hard question. We live in the Age of Comparison. Go to any restaurant and you can see people taking snapshots of their food before it is being consumed. We also judge our bodies. How can we avoid this nonsense and still lead attractive and productive lives?
The very first answer must be that I am compelled to find a way to accept the body that the Universe has given me. It may not be from Men’s Health (4) or a Playboy centerfold (5) but it is mine. Next, I can inquire and probe how I can enhance its external qualities. Can I dress more stylishly or go to a gym? Then, we ultimately come to the real elixir of youthfulness — I must enhance my inner beauty. What can I do to improve my mental state?
Finally, how can I truly answer the three questions to life: Why am I here? What is my mission? What happens when I leave here — when I die? Herein lies the secret to youth that Juan Ponce de León (6) so valiantly searched for.
The great writer and philosopher Albert Camu (7) leaves us with a thought: In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger — something better, pushing right back.
A closing thought: A youthful and buoyant mind is essential for a long and healthy life. Once we lose our philosophical and spiritual ambition, physical age will descend upon us. This is evident in the throngs of people we pass on the street. Life and one’s viewpoint on how to perceive life, my life, is a choice. We must simply make the correct one.
To sum up: This week, we spoke about retaining our youth.
To be noted: from Brené Brown (7) — Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.
Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWx_HlL3k24&t=635s&ab_channel=TotalBaroque
For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcD2QQiguCM&ab_channel=NewThinkingAllowedwithJeffreyMishlove
This week on your introspective walk, please reflect on what youthfulness means to you.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!
Quote: My mind remains forever young.
Footnotes:
1) https://medium.com/illumination/reflecting-on-wisdom-7676947b38f1
2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u4JLI9eLX4&ab_channel=60MinutesAustralia
3) https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/south-koreas-growing-obsession-cosmetic-surgery/story?id=24123409
4) https://www.menshealth.com/
5) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playboy
6) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtwuw6BZEUE&ab_channel=GreatManTheory
7) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vphih0pa1A&ab_channel=MotivationalInstinct