My very first real job, at the tender age of 16, was in what was named "The Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for The Aged", a mgnificent "old age home" (as we used to call them) that featured a synagogue with a circular skylight that illuminated the pulpit.
(I loved that piece of archetecture)
Anyway, back in 1963, I met people that had tatoos on their arms, intelligent folks that would talk about their love for God (I knew nothing about anything in those days), and intrigued me with the desire to meet older people my entire life.
Now I'm 60 ... and I know things younger people don't ... and only a few are even curious to ask questions or listen if they ask a question and the answer requires a little "setting up" to be comprehended.
Though I was born in '48 and grew up in a public school sytem that (IMO) wasn't all that bad, there is so much a school does not teach, and can come only from someone whom was there, or at least around at the time.
Even today, if I should get into a conversation with someone older than I, I'll ask leading or probing questions and then shut up and try to remember (learn) what I hear.
I agree, K.
After all what mere scribblings can give you a philosopy of life?
Immanuel Kant!