That was a heart warming read for all us oldies out there....lots of valuable thoughts....
Thanks for the honesty, humility and sharing what you've learned....
As I get older (65) I'm beginning to understand the importance of focusing on the here and now and doing my very best wherever I am and whatever I do.
I'm trying my best to appreciate the value of the relationships with those who surround me, especially my family. I understand that I won't be around forever, but hopefully long enough to see my child grow up.
This thought often arises my mind. In a way it's sad, but I know it's something I cannot avoid and so I try to make the best of every moment that I have with my family, knowing that one day I will have to let go.
But reflecting on this has made the quality of my life decisions and relationships so much better.
I only wish I could have started the process much earlier....:)... Better late than never....
David, thanks for the kind words, much appreciated. Yes, indeed, better late than never! Also, try to gently nudge your mind away from regret. It doesn't help, and it amounts to self-inflicted pain. Focus instead on what you can still do.
Massimo: Happy Birthday and many Happy Returns. My birthday is next week (but I am way ahead of you) so this is said without irony. La vie est douce and like you, I'm still looking ahead as well as back. That's a great comment in your note - that presenting facts to others is often not persuasive. Even better was the next, that logical argumentation, too, often falls on stony ground - sometimes people cling to their opinions no matter what. The reason for this I have never figured out but, perhaps, there is still time. In any case, Siracusa is coming up, something to look forward to. Cordially, Judy A
Happy birthday Massimo! It's a privilege to be one of your students & to dialogue with you & fellow readers. I appreciate the seven resolutions you've set for yourself on entering your 7th decade. May the Fates support you in successfully applying these pearls of wisdom in your life. P.S. I was born in Rio de Janeiro. https://figsinwinter.substack.com/p/here-are-a-few-things-i-learned
Thanks for the great piece Massimo. Happy birthday! I’m from Brazil and can’t think of a better city than Salvador for your 60th.
I’m turning 50 this year and caught myself lamenting a few times I didn’t find philosophy at an early age. Your piece was very reassuring in this regard: learn what you can from the past to live a better present and future, fate permitting :)
Happy birthday, Massimo! Within the last year or so, you remarked that it was pointless to argue about the quality of entertainment such as music or movies. As Farnsworth may put it, my background assumption is now: All I need to concern myself with is whether I liked the movie. There’s no need to convince others they should like the same movies I do.
Happy Birthday Massimo! Thanks for sharing your journey and taking the rest of us along the wisdom way. May you be healthy, happy and ever wiser for many years to come.
Hi Massimo
That was a heart warming read for all us oldies out there....lots of valuable thoughts....
Thanks for the honesty, humility and sharing what you've learned....
As I get older (65) I'm beginning to understand the importance of focusing on the here and now and doing my very best wherever I am and whatever I do.
I'm trying my best to appreciate the value of the relationships with those who surround me, especially my family. I understand that I won't be around forever, but hopefully long enough to see my child grow up.
This thought often arises my mind. In a way it's sad, but I know it's something I cannot avoid and so I try to make the best of every moment that I have with my family, knowing that one day I will have to let go.
But reflecting on this has made the quality of my life decisions and relationships so much better.
I only wish I could have started the process much earlier....:)... Better late than never....
David, thanks for the kind words, much appreciated. Yes, indeed, better late than never! Also, try to gently nudge your mind away from regret. It doesn't help, and it amounts to self-inflicted pain. Focus instead on what you can still do.
That's great....thank you
Important life lesson to learn, worth reading twice!!
Thank you!
Very fine reflections on your life learnings. Your writing speaks to my condition. The very best to you and your family.
Thanks Roger, appreciated!
Better late than never: happy birthday!
A belated birthday to you Massimo! Lots of wisdom in this birthday reflection. 🙂
Thanks Victoria, appreciated!
Massimo: Happy Birthday and many Happy Returns. My birthday is next week (but I am way ahead of you) so this is said without irony. La vie est douce and like you, I'm still looking ahead as well as back. That's a great comment in your note - that presenting facts to others is often not persuasive. Even better was the next, that logical argumentation, too, often falls on stony ground - sometimes people cling to their opinions no matter what. The reason for this I have never figured out but, perhaps, there is still time. In any case, Siracusa is coming up, something to look forward to. Cordially, Judy A
Judy, thank you! And very much looking forward to seeing you in Syracuse!
Happy birthday Massimo! It's a privilege to be one of your students & to dialogue with you & fellow readers. I appreciate the seven resolutions you've set for yourself on entering your 7th decade. May the Fates support you in successfully applying these pearls of wisdom in your life. P.S. I was born in Rio de Janeiro. https://figsinwinter.substack.com/p/here-are-a-few-things-i-learned
Thanks Vivian, much appreciated!
Thanks for the great piece Massimo. Happy birthday! I’m from Brazil and can’t think of a better city than Salvador for your 60th.
I’m turning 50 this year and caught myself lamenting a few times I didn’t find philosophy at an early age. Your piece was very reassuring in this regard: learn what you can from the past to live a better present and future, fate permitting :)
Rafael, I really enjoyed my trip to Brazil! And yes, let’s learn what we can while we can!
Happy birthday, Massimo! Within the last year or so, you remarked that it was pointless to argue about the quality of entertainment such as music or movies. As Farnsworth may put it, my background assumption is now: All I need to concern myself with is whether I liked the movie. There’s no need to convince others they should like the same movies I do.
Exactly right! And thanks for the birthday wishes!
Thanks for sharing! Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday Massimo! Thanks for sharing your journey and taking the rest of us along the wisdom way. May you be healthy, happy and ever wiser for many years to come.
Thanks Nadia!
As someone who's also in his 60th year this certainly resonates. Another great share, Massimo! And lets keep the sexy is sexagenarian. 😛
I'm all for that! 😃
One of your best pieces. And there have been many good ones. Many thanks.
Much appreciated, Kelly!
Excellent essay - a feast for thought and a guide for how to live, including how to discuss ideas with others.
Happy belated birthday! I hope it was a fulfilling one!
Thanks! It certainly was!
Interesting. Came up with much the same ‘list’, tho it took me longer. :)
Well, it's not a competition... 😃