The Yarn of Foolishness: A Journey Through Youth and Age

It is often said that we are fools when young, and even bigger fools as we age. This notion, however, has always been somewhat contentious. Who said it, and is there truth to it?

Let's start by acknowledging that the statement is highly subjective and often misplaced. It largely isn't true, but when it hits home, it's because we start to face the stark reality of life's complexity. The reality of merely getting by or surviving, let alone going far, becomes a harsh awakening.

Your Perspective as a Child or Teen

Young people, especially teens, look at wealth and success around them and often take it all for granted. There is often zero understanding of the real world. As children and teenagers, we are still in the process of learning and adjusting. We run more on instincts, much like toddlers learning to stand up. We often pretend to be bigger, stronger, and faster than we are, as it is a survival strategy.

The Transition to Adulthood

Oddly enough, once we hit college, the reality really sets in. Tuition costs hit hard, especially if parents are not paying the bills. The long-term debt becomes a looming reality, which can be a difficult pill to swallow. Are you even on the right path?

Even if college is paid for, are you majoring in the right field? Will you actually be successful? The fact that investing in college doesn't always equate to success can feel like a cruel disillusionment. It can make you want to give up.

Feeling Like a Loser

The label of a "loser" can be a heavy burden, but it's important to note that it is a choice. Just because you don't achieve success beyond your wildest dreams doesn't make you a loser. You make yourself a loser by feeling that way.

Maybe you genuinely feel like a loser. But not everyone does. I never saw myself as great, but I also never saw myself as a loser either. This mental shift from youth to adulthood often involves a subconscious awareness of how we treat others and the illusions we create about ourselves.

Transitioning from Youth to Adulthood

When you are a couple of years into your community college journey and you find yourself in late thirties, one might hear that you are late in catching up. I once heard someone say this to me, a fellow in his twenties, who had just started community college himself, at my age. It was somewhat frustrating and made me question my progress.

With age, comes a bit more self-awareness. We can look at ourselves from the outside and realize how we were once overwhelmed by illusions that we can no longer hold onto. As an adult, we see the world more clearly and understand the complexities that we once ignored.

Conclusion

The idea that we are fools when young and even bigger fools as we age is a common but not universally true statement. It highlights the transition from youthful naivety to adult self-awareness. It's important to embrace the journey of growth and not let external pressures define your success or failure.

Keywords: followness, reality, self-awareness