10 pieces of old-school wisdom from the 60s and 70s that still hold up today

Global English Editing ^ | July 4, 2025 | Farley Ledgerwood

[fwdude]

Some advice fades with time. What sounded wise in one decade can feel laughably outdated in another. But every now and then, a piece of old-school wisdom sneaks up and reminds you—it’s still rock solid, even if the world around it has changed.

[fwdude]

The list:< br> 1. “If you borrow something, return it in better shape than you found it.”
2. “Don’t make promises when you’re happy, and don’t make decisions when you’re angry.”
3. “If you want to know a person’s character, watch how they treat people who can’t do anything for them.” [I’ve never heard this one before]
4. “A firm handshake and eye contact go a long way.”
5. “If you break it, you fix it—or pay for it.”
6. “Don’t air your dirty laundry in public.”
7. “Treat everyone like you might need their help someday.”

8. “Just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it’s right.”

9. “Work hard, but don’t forget to live.”

10. “Your word is your bond.”

These sound so strange because common sense is so lacking today.

[dynachrome]

#2.1 “Don’t make promises while drinking.”

[Equine1952]

Because “Common Sense” is not so common these days. That’s a terrible shame. IMO

[metmom]

Nice list.

[lee martell]

Most of those are timeless, and hold very sound advice.

Others:
1. If you spend all day thinking of why you hate somebody or something, you have given that person or that thing power over how you live your life. Reclaim your power, and reduce their significance in your daily routine.

Said Another Way: Happiness is the best revenge!

[T.B. Yoits]

Some “pieces of wisdom” from the 1960s and 70s don’t hold up, such as “If you mix Pop Rocks and soda, your stomach will explode like the kid ‘Mikey’ from the Life Cereal commercials.

[fwdude]

Also, “if it feels good, do it.”

[T.B. Yoits]

The 1960s and 1970s are too recent for "old-school".

[JZelle]

Great list, too bad it’s racist now.

[BipolarBob]

Because “Common Sense” is not so common these days.

I blame cell phones. People can't drive. People can't shop/walk or move.

[lee martell]

I’m not certain if I still want to
‘Teach the World to Sing’ anymore.

[Equine1952]

My favorite is John Wayne’s saying “life is hard and it’s harder if you’re stupid.”

[fwdude]

Yep. I was shocked to learn in the past decade that being on time is racist. “Acting white.”

[Seruzawa]

Nothing good happens after midnight.

[Equine1952]

I’m in my 70’s. My Granddad taught me while in my teens to work hard learn everything you can. Once it’s in your head you own it. No one can steal it
Also
Buy ground boy. God ain’t making anymore.

[one guy in new jersey]

You misspelled “forgive”. lol

[one guy in new jersey]

Yes.

Nothing good. Go to bed!

[Maine Mariner]

During my lifetime I have seen #3 many times. I have always had a lot of respect for mentors and more especially those who help others without asking for anything in return.

[Forward the Light Brigade]

Sounds like the cowboy code of Conduct.
“A man is only as good as his word.” The one I liked was:
“Ride for the brand.” That means don’t knock where you work or who you work for.

[heylady]

I taught my children two rules to live by.
1. Life isn’t fair.
2. If you have a job, do it to the very best of your ability.
(Regardless of whether you like it or not)