Yesterday evening, I heard 2 men having an interesting debate in my local pub. One, who was in his twenties, was telling the other, who was in his forties, that he was wrong regarding his thoughts on business tax. The older guy then said; “I’ve been in business almost 20 years. I know what I am talking about!”
His suggestion, is that with longevity comes wisdom; which is incorrect!
I meet with teenage entrepreneurs, who understand the business of business better than people twice their age. Alternatively, I meet business owners, who have been in the same business for decades, and seen almost no growth for years; because they get a year older each year – NOT a year better each year.
Experience can be a massively important asset, if we use our experiences to improve and make better decisions. However, we all know people who are repeating the same lifestyle or business errors at the age of 50 / 60, as they did decades earlier. For them, 1st January is not the start of a new year; it’s simply another chance to relive the same old year, over and over again!
Longevity is an indicator of age – not competence.
Photo: Dave F
Case in point: Fredo, in the Godfather. If you recall, he was the older brother, but Michael had to take care of him.
Kathleen Jaffe´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at
Very useful distinction, Jim. Thank you.
Wisdom comes from honesty and humility. The honesty to acknowledge the *real* situation and the humility to accept the responsibility for changing it. Without these two things, no amount of years will ripen the seeds of knowledge into the fruits of wisdom.
Best, Robin
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