by Melinda Clayton

Created on: November 07, 2009   Last Updated: December 02, 2009

On the topic of aging, poet Robert Louis Stevenson once said, "To hold the same views at forty as we did at twenty is to have been stupefied for a score of years, and take rank, not as a prophet, but as an unteachable brat, well birched and none the wiser."

Harsh words to be sure, but there is a grain of truth in what the esteemed poet had to say. The belief that old age brings wisdom is a facet of cultures around the world. Many Asian cultures, African cultures, and even ancient cultures such as the Incas and the Aztecs are known for having great respect for the elderly. "Respect your elders," we teach our children. This high level of respect stems from the belief that the elderly are experienced, and therefore wise.

Noted Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung even had a name for this archetype: Senex. Jung described a senex as a sage, an old, wise man, often a fatherly figure, whose purpose was to teach and guide the young. The senex was seen as a kindly mentor, using the wisdom gained from years of experience to enlighten younger generations. Almost otherworldly in his knowledge, the senex often used cryptic messages and parables as a method for teaching, guiding and leading the listener to the answers sought.

This character is evident throughout our literature. From Merlin the wizard in the legends of King Arthur, to Gandalf in "Lord of the Rings," or even Obi-Wan Kenobi in "Star Wars," we do love the idea of a wise old mentor teaching and guiding us through the hazards of life.

While we've probably all known people who fit this stereotype, we've also all doubtless known people who didn't. Is it true, then, that with age comes wisdom? Not always. As with so many things, the acquisition of wisdom is a choice.

The first step in gaining wisdom lies in admitting mistakes and taking responsibility for our actions. Humans are an interesting lot, and often go to great lengths to cover up mistakes, deny wrongdoings, and disguise weaknesses. Anna Freud, daughter of the famed Sigmund Freud, labeled this defense mechanism "rationalization."

When we engage in rationalization, we explain away our undesirable behaviors, making excuses and projecting blame elsewhere. Our arguments and explanations can be quite lengthy and involved, but they lack validity. Not only are we trying to convince others that we aren't to blame, we're trying to convince ourselves as well. We do this in a misguided attempt to protect our self-identity and self-esteem. Ironically, it inevitably does the

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