Doris Lessing
The Quote in Other Words
The common knowledge among elderly individuals is that despite the physical changes that occur over the course of seventy or eighty years, their inner selves remain unchanged. This realization can be quite perplexing.
Explanation of the Quote
This quote speaks to the idea that despite the physical changes that come with aging, our core selves remain largely unchanged. It suggests that the person we were in our youth is still present within us, causing confusion as we navigate the changes that come with growing older.
Perhaps this is because our experiences and memories shape who we are, and these remain with us throughout our lives. Or maybe it’s because our fundamental personality traits and values remain constant, even as our bodies and circumstances change.
Whatever the reason, this quote reminds us that we are more than just our physical selves. It encourages us to embrace the wisdom and perspective that come with age, while also acknowledging the challenges that can arise as we try to reconcile our past selves with our present ones.