An Ancient Perspective on Aging

Ancient wisdom can change your life and the way you perceive aging.  Two thousand years ago Aristotle wrote the most important book on happiness.  The first philosopher to inquire into subjective happiness, he understood its essence better and more clearly than any one since, though much has been written about the topic in recent years. 

Happiness and Wisdom in Aging

Happiness and wisdom are often intertwined, especially as we age and more of an emphasis is placed on both.  We ponder our legacy, seek to resolve interpersonal conflicts, spend time taking stock of life’s most critical moments and reflect on the impact we hope we’ve had on others—all before we die. 

Discovering Ancient Wisdom Through Modern Education

As a recent Fellow in the University of Chicago’s inaugural Leadership and Society (LSI) program  https://leadforsociety.uchicago.edu/ I became acquainted with the works of the great Greek philosophers and was amazed that the content of their writing in 300BC serves as a basis for much of what we read about human behavior today.   I never knew that.

The Lyceum was a temple in Athens dedicated to Apollo Lyceus. It was best known for the Peripatetic school of philosophy founded there by Aristotle in 334 BC.

Introducing the Wisdom Circle

It is for this reason that I launched a Wisdom Circle for individuals who want to come together to discuss relevant intellectual issues of the day, find community, and seek to understand ‘their purpose’.  The group began with 13 women in July, grew to about 40 in December and now our roster stands at 63.  Participant ages range from 55-93 and our principles are based upon concepts and appreciation of Aristotelian ethics and values.

Aristotle’s Perspective on Aging

Aristotle believed that knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom and at the intersection where your gifts, talents and abilities meet a human need, therein you will discover your purpose. He also suggested that the more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.

Though he did not write directly about aging as a central theme, his works offer insights into how he may have approached the topic. 

First, he viewed life as having a natural progression, governed by a purpose (telos).  It is likely that Aristotle would have seen aging as an intrinsic part of the natural life cycle where each stage of life has its own function and value.

Secondly, Aristotle emphasized that virtues develop over time through practice and experience, and aging could thus be seen as a stage when individuals have accumulated wisdom and practical knowledge, contributing to their ability to act virtuously.

He may also have acknowledged the physical and mental decline associated with aging since Aristotle believed that the body and soul are interconnected.  However, Aristotle would likely have stressed the importance of maintaining balance (the “Golden Mean”) in life by adapting one’s habits and activities to current capabilities.  

Further, he often wrote about the role of individuals in the polis (city-state).  Older individuals, having gained experience and wisdom, might be viewed as valuable advisors and leaders, contributing to the governance and more development of society.

Eudaimonia was the word Aristotle used to define happiness.  It means living a life of virtue in accordance with reason.  For him, aging could be a fulfilling period if one continues to engage in virtuous activities and cultivate intellectual pursuits, despite physical limitations.

In summary, Aristotle’s perspective on aging would probably balance the recognition of physical decline with the affirmation of wisdom, virtue and the continued pursuit of a meaningful life.

Reimaging Retirement: Modern Applications of Ancient Wisdom

Sound familiar? Our Reimaging Retirement workshops, offered through the University of Denver’s Institute for Healthy Aging and the University College’s Enrichment program, focus on building community, developing relationships, serving the community, finding one’s purpose, engaging in intellectual pursuit and maintaining good health. https://universitycollege.du.edu/enrichment/

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