Experienced

Posted by suzanne  on Apr 9, 2015

Mature individuals have a great deal to offer. Leveraging their experience, abilities and wisdom is critical in our aging society.

In Western society, there is a tendency to overlook mature and experienced workers. They do not receive the respect accorded to them in the past, or in other countries.

Recently, the New York Times published a lovely compendium of experienced masters - individuals who are at the top of their craft. These inspiring people, of mature age, continue to be highly productive older adults who are passionate about the work they do.

Over and above the meaning and purpose work offers for these individuals, their stories convey several key messages. First, their stories highlight their openness to learning and being present in the moment. These are qualities that need to be cultivated. Also evident is the importance of process and the honing of great works over time. Therefore, patience, dedication and self awareness are critical to becoming a master and developing seminal and socially meaningful work. In addition, they are very inspiring. Finally, I wonder if their age matters because it is their talent and their craft that stand out to me.

In any case, masters is a fitting description for them.

LEWIS H. LAPHAM (2014). Older masters at the top of their game, New York Times Magazine.