In a recent column, Ahmad Al-Dawas reflected on the valuable life lessons that can be gained by listening to the experiences of older generations. Writing for Al-Seyassah daily, Al-Dawas emphasized the depth of wisdom, resilience, and maturity that elderly individuals carry, which often cannot be captured through books or formal education.

Al-Dawas cited an example of a woman in her late thirties who described the profound influence a man over sixty had on her life. Despite societal views that sometimes dismiss older men as lacking relevance or vitality, she portrayed this man as embodying a wide range of human qualities. According to her, a man of this age represents the entirety of life’s stages: passionate, vulnerable, mature, and strong. She described him as possessing a complex blend of cultural virtues—including the spirit of a Greek, the sensibilities of a Babylonian, the chivalry typical of Arab tradition, and the honorable character of a Najdi. His presence, she said, was as powerful and multifaceted as peace and war, a dream and a protector.

The column also highlighted the broader theme that the elderly have lived through a full spectrum of experiences, from joy to hardship, which in turn refines character and deepens emotional insight. Al-Dawas expressed a personal wish that he had the wisdom he owns today when he was younger, suggesting that maturity offers a clearer perspective on life’s challenges and interpersonal relationships.

Drawing on the words of Japanese writer Haruki Murakami, Al-Dawas noted that the past is a closed chapter, and mistakes from earlier stages should not overshadow one’s current self, which is more aware and evolved. This insight underscores the value of growth and learning over time.

The column concluded with a poignant anecdote from a woman describing her relationship with her husband, whose “manhood” was distinguished not by traditional displays of strength, but by how he treated others with kindness and protection over thirty years. She emphasized that true manhood is often reflected in the quality of one’s behavior and respect for others, rather than physical attributes or age.

Overall, the piece underlines the importance of acknowledging and respecting the life stories and accumulated wisdom of elderly individuals as a source of invaluable human experience.