Journal 3 in 2003
Drei Ansätze über das Älterwerden

weiter I Übersicht I zurück

Alice Shalvi
Aging and Authority

Talking-Points

1. There is a basic assumption in Judaism that as one grows older, one also grows wiser. (cf. sikney ha’am – the Elders). This is understandable given that as we grow older we accumulate experience and even a certain expertise, at least in the field(s) in which we have engaged professionally or socially. Certainly as one grows older one usually advances in one’s profession and also plays a more central rôle in both family and community. Judaism teaches respect for the elderly.

2. However, we must, I think, beware of assuming that all older people always know more than their juniors. This may be particularly true in an age of rapid growth and accessibility of information such as our own. Young people seem to be far more attuned to the technological evolutions and revolutions of our time, while older people frequently appear ignorant or stupid in comparison. Age does not and should not automatically confer authority. In fact, authority that commands real respect, rather than fear, should be based on a perpetual readiness to respect others, even those younger than ourselves, and to value what they have to contribute to society.

3. In a democratic society, every member has a role to play and a unique contribution to make. It is the intrinsic value of that role, when it is assumed out of a sense of responsibility to the community, which should command respect and bestow authority. Seniority alone is not enough if it is not accompanied by a never-ending readiness to learn, to grow, to develop. Though we must all respect the elderly and ensure their wellbeing, we need not necessarily accept their authority. Nor should the elderly assume that age alone constitutes the basis for imposing their authority on others younger than themselves. When Jacob on his deathbed blessed Ephraim and Menasshe he repeated the same mistaken preference which had so blighted the lives of his own sons. Is there a lesson to be learned there regarding old age and wisdom?

King Lear’s Fool memorably chides him thus: “Thou shouldst not have been old ere thou wast wise.” Those of us who are what is now graciously referred to as “senior citizens” should remember that warning and try to act accordingly. Never stop learning – even from your grandchildren and great-grandchildren! Only then can you claim authority and in fact then you may not even want to. And that may be the sign of true wisdom.

Prof. Dr. Alice Shalvi - until recently rector of the Solomon Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem, founder of the Israel Women's Network