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The Forum > Article Comments > Calling all oldies: it’s time for wisdom sharing > Comments

Calling all oldies: it’s time for wisdom sharing : Comments

By Everald Compton, published 23/5/2023

In the six years since my 85th birthday, I have written and published 4 books and have just begun the fifth.

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He writes books "as a delightful way to relax as I enjoy trying to relate my life experiences in an entertaining way that my friends will enjoy".

A very small readership then. This man's hubris is stunning.
Posted by ttbn, Tuesday, 23 May 2023 8:31:47 AM
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Why is it that it’s so easy to be sceptical.

I don’t think that trait is a sign of the times either.

I now wonder of the life of a sceptical cave man. No need for scepticism when a courtship consisted of dragging your woman to the cave by her hair while carrying a club in the other.
A sceptical observer would conclude the need for the club was to deal with maybe suitors on the way!

Caveman scepticism..nothing changes but socks and under ware.
Posted by diver dan, Tuesday, 23 May 2023 9:08:17 AM
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If we were an Asian community wisdom acquired through the years would be considered valuable. Here you are past your use by date and need to be put somewhere or offered euthanasia.

Moreover, not every oldie is computer literate and may not have grandkids willing to devote the time to the task.

Besides, what constitutes wisdom today. Is it science or just how to do this or that or operate old machines horse drawn carriages and such?
Alan B.
Posted by Alan B., Tuesday, 23 May 2023 10:32:06 AM
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Good on you Everald! You are an example to us all!
Posted by estelles, Tuesday, 23 May 2023 10:51:11 AM
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I don't know how much longer I have or if anybody will read my bio. Nevertheless, I have started it. It is called "Discarding the Spiritual". I enjoy writing about what I can remember. Since I have not kept a journal I can't be sure what I write is accurate or merely remembering elements of my life that have been edited in my mind. It will not be a true confession as I don't want to dwell on the seamier parts of myself or embarrass others. However, the process is enjoyable.

While I was away in the US in 1993 my wife got a caravan and drove around Queensland. She filled three notebooks with an account of her travels, encounters with people, poetry & philosophical musings.

Shortly before she died, she gave me those notebooks.

They contained the following:

I think it's the absence of any goal that has given me this freedom just to be. We are always told we must have a goal in life, whether it be to accumulate wealth, achieve professional success & recognition or to make the world a better place. One must have a goal. I have always unconsciously rebelled against this idea, the idea of an "ultimate aim in life." There are always "goals" in the plural that give life zest & meaning - the goal to reach the mountain top & enjoy the view, the goal to help a friend in need, the goal to pass exams so one can work in an interesting field.

The "ultimate aim in life" I think is life destroying, a negation of the present, which is after all, all we ever have, and ultimately, I believe unachievable. When is rich, rich enough, power great enough, recognition satisfying enough?

The meaning of life is life itself. How it came about is a wonderful question to explore. "Why" is meaningless. It implies purpose. It implies a creator. It implies that we have a purpose in the mind of the creator....

Her words have inspired me to write my bio
Posted by david f, Tuesday, 23 May 2023 11:33:41 AM
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Write a book. Why do that?
Why would I read a particular book?
How long does it take to read it?
People generally won't have the time to read a large amount of published material.
They are more likely to latch on to a single, well expressed, principle?
The writer might feel he has done something worthwhile.
But that is how HE feels.
I doubt the value of thousands of 'wise' books stacked up around us.
We need a better way of condensing fundamental principles in to a palatable essence.
A documentary would do a better job?
It has the addition of visual impact, which helps with understanding its message.
Posted by Ipso Fatso, Tuesday, 23 May 2023 12:55:59 PM
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