Essay Synopsis
~5 min original read (901 words)
Aging Past You
By Tae-Sik • Published May 14, 2025
Core Thesis & Overview
Realizing we are the same age as those we consider old exposes a profound cognitive dissonance. While our internal self remains frozen in youth, our bodies age alongside society. Although the West often views aging negatively, children and memory anchor us, highlighting the surreal transition from being young to becoming elders.
Key Takeaways & Analysis
I'm sitting at a restaurant and notice a gentleman having lunch with his children. He's disheveled, middle aged and the kids appear to be about 8yrs old. If we were introduced, I wouldn't hesitate to address him as "sir", and use honorifics. Then it dawns on me: I could actually be older than him. It's […]