Still Growing

 

From ancient times to the modern era, when average life expectancy was far shorter than it is today, countless individuals demonstrated remarkable mental maturity at a young age and left behind timeless words of wisdom. In today’s complex and rapidly changing world, such maturity at a young age can feel almost unimaginable. One hypothesis suggests that while life expectancy has increased in modern society, the pace of mental maturity may be biologically inversely proportional to it. I’m not sure where formal research on this idea is being conducted, but the concept resonates with me. Interestingly, one study suggests that a person’s mental maturity peaks at around 82 years old—assuming no mental health issues. Now in my mid-60s, I often feel that I still have a long way to go in terms of mental growth. Perhaps this is one reason lifelong learning has gained renewed attention in Japan. At the same time, I want to be mindful not to let any sense of pride in my own maturity lead me to unintentionally become a burden or nuisance to those around me.

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