Why I love being over 40 in today's world (and you could too?)
I'm 45 years old (and young, all things considered). For some additional context, I was first introduced to Ayn Rand by my father with "Anthem" when I was in junior high. Then I re-discovered her in college and embraced her ideas passionately, soaking up all of her fiction and non-fiction works that I could get my hands on.
I pursued a rewarding engineering career along with getting married, raising a family, enjoying artistic hobbies, and supporting causes important to me. It wasn't until I turned 40 did I figure out how to combine all of these strengths and interests into focused efforts. Plus, I realized how technology has made so many opportunities available to us today. Those under 40 don't remember what it was like...all the things that could have a major impact needed permission and someone else's authority. Like releasing a music CD, publishing a book, filming and releasing a movie, hosting a radio or TV show, organizing an event, teaching a course, building a complex product, starting a business...
Very few to no barriers in today's world for anyone reading this post! Those of us over 40 have the benefit of both hindsight and foresight, along with our personal experiences and the skills we have accumulated. As long as we are willing to continue learning new tools and methods, why aren't more of us excited about the opportunities available to us today?
This 6-minute video from serial entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk gave me an inspiring kick in the pants. If you are over 40 I hope you watch it too. Then tell me what you think with a comment below. I want to see more of the fierce, heroic spirit of achievement from people in this online Gulch. Who else still has a fire that needs to burn bright?
https://www.facebook.com/gary/videos/...
I pursued a rewarding engineering career along with getting married, raising a family, enjoying artistic hobbies, and supporting causes important to me. It wasn't until I turned 40 did I figure out how to combine all of these strengths and interests into focused efforts. Plus, I realized how technology has made so many opportunities available to us today. Those under 40 don't remember what it was like...all the things that could have a major impact needed permission and someone else's authority. Like releasing a music CD, publishing a book, filming and releasing a movie, hosting a radio or TV show, organizing an event, teaching a course, building a complex product, starting a business...
Very few to no barriers in today's world for anyone reading this post! Those of us over 40 have the benefit of both hindsight and foresight, along with our personal experiences and the skills we have accumulated. As long as we are willing to continue learning new tools and methods, why aren't more of us excited about the opportunities available to us today?
This 6-minute video from serial entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk gave me an inspiring kick in the pants. If you are over 40 I hope you watch it too. Then tell me what you think with a comment below. I want to see more of the fierce, heroic spirit of achievement from people in this online Gulch. Who else still has a fire that needs to burn bright?
https://www.facebook.com/gary/videos/...
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I think that, at the root, I am aware that I am a Very Lazy Person and that I am saved from degenerate indolence by having to earn a living and by being easily fascinated by so many things. The world is a wonderful place and it has an endless supply of things to learn...but still: would I ever get off the couch and stop reading if I did not have to go to work 5 days a week? I don't absolutely know; I fear that I would not.
Jan
I too have seen many who faded away like old soldiers,
rapidly. . it is sad. . after serious reflection, I concluded
that I wouldn't go that way. . but I have been lucky
in this life, and have hobbies plus a serious drive for
independence. . besides having been born in the u.s.,
I have interests which range far and wide, from music
to welding. . from poetry to radio. . independence to the
maximum extent is also helpful. . readiness for whatever happens
is a drive which we all might share.
and I envy your work situation -- Go For It and make the news!!! -- j
.
Jan
Reading Atlas Shrugged was a huge inspiration to me. One of my favorite quotes: “The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me.” I like to add, "Stay the F out of my way."
ham radio, an electric-start harley, etc. -- and now cannot
imagine how I had enough time to work! . my list of things
which need quick action is getting long....... and the fun
is getting stronger every day!!! -- j
.
and Yes, let's GO!!! -- j
.
We have discussed amongst ourselves that maybe, just maybe our project could have been better off, if we just acknowledge the reality that we live in a corrupt banana republic now, and why not just bypass all this and buy the corrupt officials off? Good grief, we spent enough money in "compliance".
Well, it appears we live in a special version of a banana republic - because of who we have been and that that had to be shut down.
But, we will persevere. My good friend and partner, I remember, 25 years ago used to have a t-shirt for his drilling employees that depicted a frog beginning to be swallowed by a crane - only the frog had the crane by the throat with his two front "hands".
The caption was "Never Give Up"! I like to remind him of those days.
I have done things since my 40's [much more than a few years ago] I never imagined I could do, have or enjoy. Yea, I took a hit in 09, but I'm back and even wrote a book while I was regaining upon my losses. That blows my mind.
I really hope he's right and I'm wrong. But I'm not going to be convinced by the techniques that are used to sell religions.
The second wonder is passing on the information before I take it with me ...rendered useless by the inevitable. Last year my new families youngest received laptops. This year kindles. We discuss any and all subjects. I taught them research and the rudiments of thinking and reasoning.
I wondered what life over 40 would be like and who they would teach. At what levels with what technologies long after i had passed my immortality to the future through them. That is the second wonder of life over 40. It is enough. Just a third thought. We do it through two languages using something called translate this page when my Spanish skills suffer.
I learn they learn the English. Translate this......Define that. Three miracles in one lifetime. I'm not really 39. But I never tell them that. They think I don't know that they know. i heard them ask their mother what would they do after... I was gone? "Just as he taught you to do."
Just when I thought all I had done for the world was pull triggers. I found I had made a difference. So now we are discussing the morality or immorality of violence in a very violent world.
Last year a volley ball and a soccer ball. this year a punching and kicking bag. How to throw a straight punch and watch the opponents shoulders and show no fear in your own eyes. Mostly When Not To Throw the punch.
If you are looking for other more innovative ways to give advice and lessons to upcoming generations, we should talk more. Let me know if you would be interested and I'll be honored to talk with you more.
However, I've lost patience or security to rely on our national tractor changing its course in time for me and my family. We need to prepare and act for ourselves as individuals, and organize as communities who share similar values. Thus I am happy and determined to be an active participant in our online gulch. :-)
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