Home > Quotes > Youth & Aging

The author Hermann Hesse writes that the more one matures, the younger one grows. There are many people who as they age become increasingly vigorous and energetic, more broad-minded and tolerant, living with a greater sense of freedom and assurance. It is important to remember that aging and growing old are not necessarily the same.

In any endeavor, the final stages of completion, the finishing touches, are important. Equally, the final outcome of our life is determined by how we live our final chapter, how we bring our life to completion.
The real meaning of youth has nothing to do with physical age. In Buddhist terms, youth means to consistently maintain an open, flexible and tolerant mind.
Nothing is irredeemable in youth. Rather, the worst mistake you can make when you're young is to give up on yourself and not to challenge yourself for fear of failure.
The author Hermann Hesse writes that the more one matures, the younger one grows. There are many people who as they age become increasingly vigorous and energetic, more broad-minded and tolerant, living with a greater sense of freedom and assurance. It is important to remember that aging and growing old are not necessarily the same.
What is youth? It is the inner strength not to stagnate or grow resistant to change but to stay open to new possibilities. It is the power of the spirit that refuses to succumb to complacency and strives ever forward.
It is natural for people to want to be needed, to want to have their importance to others tangibly confirmed. Our challenge is to build a society in which people feel truly valued and fulfilled throughout the course of their lives. Recognizing and treasuring the contributions of older people is essential to the long-term flourishing of any society.
Sincere efforts to brighten our surroundings and the lives of others return to illuminate our own final years with dignity. A genuinely happy person is one who has made others happy.

Stories of Hope

To My Young Friends

Whatever your age, Ikeda proposes relishing all challenges and difficulties as opportunities for personal growth and fostering the ideals, dreams and compassion to create a better world for everyone. Read here ...

Stories of Hope

Staying Young

Insights into staying youthful from an octogenarian who shouldn’t have lived beyond his thirties. Ikeda reminds us that our approach to aging and death will have a major impact on the quality of the final chapters of our lives. Read here ...

Stories of Hope

The Creative Spirit

A vivid description of the challenges and rewards of living a creative and active life; the opening and expansion of one’s inner life that leads to a true sense of fulfillment. Read here ...