Is it true that the old must learn from the young?
23 comments:
Anonymous
said...
This question seems to shake the roots of the traditional ways in which teaching and learning have been taking place. i mean, for thousands of years, it has been believed that the young learn from the old. In this modern age world, has the situation reversed?
most of what the old have to teach the young stems from experience. they would have 'been there, done that' while most of what the young have to teach may be little experience to back them up. for example, in handling a family crisis, the old would have the experience of having been through similar experiences and thus be able to act correctly.
I do agree with what maisara has stated above. The teachings that the old could provide to the young do come from the experience, hence in certain situations that the old have been through, they could give some advice or so to the young to aid them.
However, the older generation tend to be more traditional or old-fashioned, mindset wise that is. They tend to be more superstitious eg(fengshui, praying), religion. And hence, due to certain beliefs, disapprove of some new issues and ideas. I think that the old should have a clean and open mindset like the young, and move away from conservative and traditional beliefs. The young however, should continue to embrace their cultures and traditions in order to preserve their culture, even if they do not believe in it at all.
I do not think that the old MUST learn the young. I think that they should learn from each other.
There are a lot of things that the young can learn from the old. The old had accumulated their knowledge over the many years of experience. Certain things can never be learned from the textbook. For example, certain ways to handle the businesses or relationships.
However, the old can also learn from the young. There are a lot of new things for them to learn. For example, how to use the computer. If the old insist on not learning from the young, they would never be able to catch up with the constant changes and improvements today.
I agree with what zi xin has said about learning from each other.
The old has experienced many events e.g. war, independence of the nation etc. which the young might never have the chance of experiencing. But the young are very well equipped with information about the latest technology etc. which the old can learn from the young.
some might argue that the young have a lot to teach the old, especially when it comes to new technological gadgets, computer languages...the list goes on and on.
of course all this assumes that the old have stood still as the world around them has changed.
however, this is a simplistic assumption.
there are old people who are young at heart and are constantly on the move and in keeping with times. furthermore, we cannot deny that there are also young people who do not keep up with the knowledge around them, though opprtunities are more than enough. in fact, when these young people do not keep up to date with the recent happenings around them, it would not be surprising if they had to acquire knowledge from older people.
i think that what has been said so far DOES make alot of sense. However, i have to add that in certain situations, the "traditional" way is best.For example, during festivals, such as the upcoming Deepavali or Christmas, the young MUST learn about the culture and the stories and legends behind those festivals. And its always best to learn from the older people, the "real" story that would have been passed down from generation to generation. This helps the younger generation understand and celebrate the festival for the real emotional reasons, rather than just celebrating because its a public holiday.
Therefore, though i believe that the old may have some things to learn from the young, it is definitely MUCH more important that the young learn from the old.
I do not think that the old should learn from the young. They should learn from each other.
Older people have what young people do not have. Experience, which gives them wisdom as well. Young people do not have much experience which makes them prone to make mistakes.
Youngsters have what old people do not have either. In this age, they are more tech savvy, more open minded and flexible to changes.
Learning is for everyone with no boundaries. There is never a limit to ones knowledge.
I agree that the old and the young should BOTH learn form one another.
The older people have lived longer, and have seen more of the world than the young. They have a rich amount of experience and knowledge to share. For example, an account from a grandparent who has lived through the Japanese Occupation may be far more interesting and enlightening for someone younger than reading from a textbook. The old also holds important traditional and cultural values which they can impart to the younger generations.
However, the young can also have plenty to teach – technological gadgets, current trends etc as mentioned by my classmates earlier. Some of us here may even be teaching our own parents how to use hand phones or computer programmes. Also, the young may offer fresh, original opinions that are not clouded by past experiences on certain issues.
As stated by Jolene earlier, knowledge and experience is not proportionate to someone’s age. A 70 year old man may still have things to learn from a 6 year old child.
"Is it true that the old must learn from the young?"
is it just me or is everyone assuming that the statement is saying
"Is it true that the old must learn from the young AND that the young does not learn from the old?"
Anyway from personal experience, i believe that the old definately have to learn from the young.
The generation is changing, and instead of changing the world, sometimes its easier to change oneself. In the fast moving society, values and beliefs from before might no longer hold true.
The elders might need to look in different perspective and be open to new ideas.
Learning is not just about receiving but also responding. Advices can be taken, positive remarks, effective critics would allow both generations to strive towards a better future and a better understanding.
The old have a large advantage in terms of experience, and that is gold. That knowledge and that experience is essential to live a more fulfilling live and as such, it should be passed down to the young.
However, no matter how precious that knowledge is, context changes. Our world is never stagnant and constantly moves and evolves, and in such cases, the young may have an advantage. In these cases, the old should learn to humble themselves down and listen to the wisdom of the young.
However, knowledge does not pass by a one-way track. Experience should be passed down to the young, while simulataneously, the young should gain knowledge from the old.
Not just the old learning from the young, but vice versa as well.
If you ask me, I'd seriously think the young has much to learn from the old instead. The years of experience in all aspects of life should not be neglected. I always get my gramps telling me brokenly "i've eaten more salt then you've eaten rice," which simply put across the fact that the huge amount of things they know far exceed our mediocre knowledge.
Nonetheless the old could also make do with some new knowledge on the new technology these days.
"Its never too old to learn" seems to be of its full meaning here.
Sometimes the old may be very stubborn in their thinking and might not accept the ideas and thinking of the new generation. Therefore they might not be willing to learn from the young. Likewise for the young, they might think that what the old has to offer are too old fashioned and does not apply to the society now e.g. the younger generation are not aware and they dont celebrate the traditional events like Hungry Ghost Festival etc.
i agree with zi xin. Learning should never be one way. Just as the young has to learn from the old, the old also has to learn from the young. this is more so in these time and day, where IT is advancing ever so rapidly. the old will have to count on the young to keep them updated about various things such as the latest software and hardware etc.
I agree that the old must learn from the young, firstly, its year 2007, turning 2008 really soon.
The young meaning freshest, with the know-it-all of this generation. Imagine learning all about advertising from the advertising guru of 1984, where Bluetooth advertising is unheard of, where he comes from. So in a way, they need to learn to be updated with the current trends, least they be left out, then that would be really sad.
I think it is a two-way thing whereby the old must learn from the young and vice versa. Times have changed and there are many things that the old must learn from the young such as the use of IT gadgets. Also they must learn from the young the different kind of mindsets they have or even the latest trends. If they were to stick to their own way of thinking and does not improve themselves by learning from the young, generation gap problem will arise
But, the young must learn from the old also. No matter what, they still have more experience and are more mature in their thinking. When it comes to some personal problems, the young can seek from them some advice. Who knows at the end of the day you get to realise your mistake or even learn a lesson for yourself.
Yes. The old definitely have to learn from the young in some aspects and vice versa. The problem with old people nowadays is that they tend to boast of their experience. Pride clogs their ability to learn from the young and thus, deprives them from further enhancing their knowledge.
On the other hand, the young have absolutely no qualms if ask to submit to the elderly. Such humility enables them to learn and absorb vital information crucial in life. Therefore, in this aspect, the young gains the upper hand.
I think that the old should learn from the young. At the same time, the young should also learn from the old in order to strike a balance.
However, firstly, the young and the old should learn how to accept each other's perspective before they can really learn from each other.
If the young thinks that an old man's traditional practices(i.e. are old-fashioned and finds it ridiculous, it will be hard for the young to carry out out such practice. And at the same time, if the old finds young people's night life incorigible, it will be very hard for them to learn from the young the need to chill out and relax.
i agree with what everybody has said. Both sides must learn from each other.
The older generation, like Zi Xin mentioned, have accumulated knowledge through experience. The younger generation can then learn from them in order not to make the same mistakes.
The younger generation tend to be more knowledgeable when it comes to issues such as technology etc. and the older generation must be open to learn from the younger generation to be up to date with society.
I think what is important is here is that both sides respect each others teachings. The young should not dismiss the older generation's advice as "old-fashioned" or irrelevant. Likewise the older generation must learn not to have this defensive shell that rejects the teachings of the younger generation.
Is it true that the old must learn from the young?
In my opinion, its equally important for the old to learn from the young and vice versa. Reason being the old possesses experiences which young may not have, like all the different traditions we have to follow or perharps all the different life experiences we have yet to undergo.
As for the young, they have knowledge regarding the modern age world which can be of great help to the old,like what most of my classmates mentioned,to teach them how to use the com.
Therfore, i still prefer both to learn from each other. firstly, you acquire more knowledge. secondly, there's no dispute or argument whether who is right or wrong.
I agree that both sides must learn from one another. But they should be open to accept and learn from them.
Many youngsters nowadays will think that the old thinks the traditional way and can't be bothered to seek answers from them. They prefer to learn from their peers whom they think know and understand their situation more than the old.
Also, some old people are prideful and may choose not to learn. They think that the youngsters are immature etc. They also can't understand the ways they handle and react to certain things.
23 comments:
This question seems to shake the roots of the traditional ways in which teaching and learning have been taking place. i mean, for thousands of years, it has been believed that the young learn from the old. In this modern age world, has the situation reversed?
most of what the old have to teach the young stems from experience. they would have 'been there, done that' while most of what the young have to teach may be little experience to back them up. for example, in handling a family crisis, the old would have the experience of having been through similar experiences and thus be able to act correctly.
I do agree with what maisara has stated above. The teachings that the old could provide to the young do come from the experience, hence in certain situations that the old have been through, they could give some advice or so to the young to aid them.
However, the older generation tend to be more traditional or old-fashioned, mindset wise that is. They tend to be more superstitious eg(fengshui, praying), religion. And hence, due to certain beliefs, disapprove of some new issues and ideas. I think that the old should have a clean and open mindset like the young, and move away from conservative and traditional beliefs.
The young however, should continue to embrace their cultures and traditions in order to preserve their culture, even if they do not believe in it at all.
I do not think that the old MUST learn the young. I think that they should learn from each other.
There are a lot of things that the young can learn from the old. The old had accumulated their knowledge over the many years of experience. Certain things can never be learned from the textbook. For example, certain ways to handle the businesses or relationships.
However, the old can also learn from the young. There are a lot of new things for them to learn. For example, how to use the computer. If the old insist on not learning from the young, they would never be able to catch up with the constant changes and improvements today.
I agree with what zi xin has said about learning from each other.
The old has experienced many events e.g. war, independence of the nation etc. which the young might never have the chance of experiencing. But the young are very well equipped with information about the latest technology etc. which the old can learn from the young.
some might argue that the young have a lot to teach the old, especially when it comes to new technological gadgets, computer languages...the list goes on and on.
of course all this assumes that the old have stood still as the world around them has changed.
however, this is a simplistic assumption.
there are old people who are young at heart and are constantly on the move and in keeping with times. furthermore, we cannot deny that there are also young people who do not keep up with the knowledge around them, though opprtunities are more than enough. in fact, when these young people do not keep up to date with the recent happenings around them, it would not be surprising if they had to acquire knowledge from older people.
i think that what has been said so far DOES make alot of sense. However, i have to add that in certain situations, the "traditional" way is best.For example, during festivals, such as the upcoming Deepavali or Christmas, the young MUST learn about the culture and the stories and legends behind those festivals. And its always best to learn from the older people, the "real" story that would have been passed down from generation to generation. This helps the younger generation understand and celebrate the festival for the real emotional reasons, rather than just celebrating because its a public holiday.
Therefore, though i believe that the old may have some things to learn from the young, it is definitely MUCH more important that the young learn from the old.
I do not think that the old should learn from the young. They should learn from each other.
Older people have what young people do not have. Experience, which gives them wisdom as well. Young people do not have much experience which makes them prone to make mistakes.
Youngsters have what old people do not have either. In this age, they are more tech savvy, more open minded and flexible to changes.
Learning is for everyone with no boundaries. There is never a limit to ones knowledge.
I agree that the old and the young should BOTH learn form one another.
The older people have lived longer, and have seen more of the world than the young. They have a rich amount of experience and knowledge to share. For example, an account from a grandparent who has lived through the Japanese Occupation may be far more interesting and enlightening for someone younger than reading from a textbook. The old also holds important traditional and cultural values which they can impart to the younger generations.
However, the young can also have plenty to teach – technological gadgets, current trends etc as mentioned by my classmates earlier. Some of us here may even be teaching our own parents how to use hand phones or computer programmes. Also, the young may offer fresh, original opinions that are not clouded by past experiences on certain issues.
As stated by Jolene earlier, knowledge and experience is not proportionate to someone’s age. A 70 year old man may still have things to learn from a 6 year old child.
"Is it true that the old must learn from the young?"
is it just me or is everyone assuming that the statement is saying
"Is it true that the old must learn from the young AND that the young does not learn from the old?"
Anyway from personal experience, i believe that the old definately have to learn from the young.
The generation is changing, and instead of changing the world, sometimes its easier to change oneself. In the fast moving society, values and beliefs from before might no longer hold true.
The elders might need to look in different perspective and be open to new ideas.
Learning is not just about receiving but also responding. Advices can be taken, positive remarks, effective critics would allow both generations to strive towards a better future and a better understanding.
Best regards,
Wei Liang
Of course, says Cheryl!
The old have a large advantage in terms of experience, and that is gold. That knowledge and that experience is essential to live a more fulfilling live and as such, it should be passed down to the young.
However, no matter how precious that knowledge is, context changes. Our world is never stagnant and constantly moves and evolves, and in such cases, the young may have an advantage. In these cases, the old should learn to humble themselves down and listen to the wisdom of the young.
However, knowledge does not pass by a one-way track. Experience should be passed down to the young, while simulataneously, the young should gain knowledge from the old.
Not just the old learning from the young, but vice versa as well.
If you ask me, I'd seriously think the young has much to learn from the old instead. The years of experience in all aspects of life should not be neglected. I always get my gramps telling me brokenly "i've eaten more salt then you've eaten rice," which simply put across the fact that the huge amount of things they know far exceed our mediocre knowledge.
Nonetheless the old could also make do with some new knowledge on the new technology these days.
"Its never too old to learn" seems to be of its full meaning here.
Sometimes the old may be very stubborn in their thinking and might not accept the ideas and thinking of the new generation. Therefore they might not be willing to learn from the young.
Likewise for the young, they might think that what the old has to offer are too old fashioned and does not apply to the society now e.g. the younger generation are not aware and they dont celebrate the traditional events like Hungry Ghost Festival etc.
Dexter Tay:
i agree with zi xin. Learning should never be one way. Just as the young has to learn from the old, the old also has to learn from the young. this is more so in these time and day, where IT is advancing ever so rapidly. the old will have to count on the young to keep them updated about various things such as the latest software and hardware etc.
I agree that the old must learn from the young, firstly, its year 2007, turning 2008 really soon.
The young meaning freshest, with the know-it-all of this generation. Imagine learning all about advertising from the advertising guru of 1984, where Bluetooth advertising is unheard of, where he comes from. So in a way, they need to learn to be updated with the current trends, least they be left out, then that would be really sad.
I think it is a two-way thing whereby the old must learn from the young and vice versa. Times have changed and there are many things that the old must learn from the young such as the use of IT gadgets. Also they must learn from the young the different kind of mindsets they have or even the latest trends. If they were to stick to their own way of thinking and does not improve themselves by learning from the young, generation gap problem will arise
But, the young must learn from the old also. No matter what, they still have more experience and are more mature in their thinking. When it comes to some personal problems, the young can seek from them some advice. Who knows at the end of the day you get to realise your mistake or even learn a lesson for yourself.
Yes. The old definitely have to learn from the young in some aspects and vice versa. The problem with old people nowadays is that they tend to boast of their experience. Pride clogs their ability to learn from the young and thus, deprives them from further enhancing their knowledge.
On the other hand, the young have absolutely no qualms if ask to submit to the elderly. Such humility enables them to learn and absorb vital information crucial in life. Therefore, in this aspect, the young gains the upper hand.
Sally:
I think that the old should learn from the young. At the same time, the young should also learn from the old in order to strike a balance.
However, firstly, the young and the old should learn how to accept each other's perspective before they can really learn from each other.
If the young thinks that an old man's traditional practices(i.e. are old-fashioned and finds it ridiculous, it will be hard for the young to carry out out such practice. And at the same time, if the old finds young people's night life incorigible, it will be very hard for them to learn from the young the need to chill out and relax.
i agree with what everybody has said. Both sides must learn from each other.
The older generation, like Zi Xin mentioned, have accumulated knowledge through experience. The younger generation can then learn from them in order not to make the same mistakes.
The younger generation tend to be more knowledgeable when it comes to issues such as technology etc. and the older generation must be open to learn from the younger generation to be up to date with society.
I think what is important is here is that both sides respect each others teachings. The young should not dismiss the older generation's advice as "old-fashioned" or irrelevant. Likewise the older generation must learn not to have this defensive shell that rejects the teachings of the younger generation.
Leon
Is it true that the old must learn from the young?
In my opinion, its equally important for the old to learn from the young and vice versa. Reason being the old possesses experiences which young may not have, like all the different traditions we have to follow or perharps all the different life experiences we have yet to undergo.
As for the young, they have knowledge regarding the modern age world which can be of great help to the old,like what most of my classmates mentioned,to teach them how to use the com.
Therfore, i still prefer both to learn from each other. firstly, you acquire more knowledge. secondly, there's no dispute or argument whether who is right or wrong.
gary
I agree that both sides must learn from one another. But they should be open to accept and learn from them.
Many youngsters nowadays will think that the old thinks the traditional way and can't be bothered to seek answers from them. They prefer to learn from their peers whom they think know and understand their situation more than the old.
Also, some old people are prideful and may choose not to learn. They think that the youngsters are immature etc. They also can't understand the ways they handle and react to certain things.
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