Grumpy Old Men
I’m sure you’ve seen them. You know, the cluster of old men sitting around at a coffee shop or bar, bitching about their lives, the world, and pretty much EVERYTHING else. The chorus of dissatisfaction, complaints, and misery that everyone in the circle can chime in with their own examples of how the world is horrible.
What motivates that level of unhappiness? It could stem from all kinds of places, like boredom, health issues, worry about the future, or a general sense of helplessness. But my guess is it's mostly lack of purpose. And when there’s no purpose, boredom quickly fills the void.
My wife and I recently had dinner with another couple we've known for years. He told me about some of his activities, but there wasn’t a lot. Watching the “news” seemed to fill up most of his day. When I asked what he derived from the hours spent tuned in to the latest horrors, he told me it made him feel “in the know.”
I could devote a lot of words to the fallacy of the statement, especially because whatever program (“news”) we watch, it’s carefully curated to show whatever they decide is raw meat for their audience. I can say with a high degree of certainty: overconsumption of it leads to a warped view of the world.
Because the “news” is just entertainment, not a true picture of what is actually happening in a global sense. There is rarely anything hopeful, affirming, or inspiring. No wonder these guys are grumpy!
The antidote to a life of anger and frustration is to channel your energy into something positive. Do something meaningful, fun, interesting, or challenging. Anything that reminds you life isn’t just one long list of complaints.
Don’t let me catch you in a bad track suit, drinking crappy coffee, bitching about the world!!
Higher wisdom is an "inside job." It transcends external influences and cultural norms. Unlike conventional purposes, school, career, and financial security, which are shaped by societal expectations and external validation, higher wisdom emerges from deep introspection, self-awareness, and a connection to universal truths. The inward journey involves understanding oneself by disengaging from self-deception, questioning inherited beliefs, and cultivating insights that extend beyond mere conformity or achievement. This inner journey allows you to tap into your innate potential and navigate life from a place of authenticity and clarity. This inward journey of brutal honesty, opening to metaphysical and existential discovery that leads to your higher purpose, is the path Elders take.
" Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."
My experience in working with older adults confirms your assertion: the purpose of life is a life of purpose. However, remember that their previous purposes—career, money, and family —are not helpful in later life. In my experience, a higher purpose that focuses on others is required.