The milestone age of 40 is a subject of cultural and societal beliefs and sayings that have evolved over time. Here are some of the most common beliefs and their meanings:
“Life begins at 40″ – This popular saying suggests that 40 is the age when life starts anew. It implies that people at 40 feel more self-aware and are better equipped to embark on new adventures. According to the author Sarah Ban Breathnach, “We have learned to listen more closely to our intuition, to follow our dreams, and to take action on things that we are passionate about.”
“Over the hill” – This phrase is used humorously to describe someone who has passed their prime. The saying implies that people at 40 are past their peak and are now on the downward slope of their lives. However, this can be disputed, as many successful people such as J.K. Rowling, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk accomplished their biggest achievements after 40.
“Midlife crisis” – This phrase suggests that around the age of 40, many individuals experience a period of introspection and questioning about their life choices and goals. This term was first coined by psychoanalyst Elliot Jaques in 1965 to describe the sudden realization of one’s mortality and the resulting changes in priorities. In fact, many books such as “The Second Half of Life” by Angeles Arrien and “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl, explore this subject in depth.
“Forty and fabulous” – This phrase celebrates reaching 40 and suggests that it can be a time when people feel confident, accomplished, and proud of what they have achieved. For many, 40 is a time of empowerment, as they’ve gained wisdom, knowledge, and experience over the years. According to the author Laura Fraser, “As I got older, I realized that what I wanted was more powerful than what I was afraid of.”
It’s important to note that while these sayings reflect common attitudes and beliefs about the age of 40, everyone’s experience of turning 40 is unique. Some may feel invigorated by this age, while others may feel anxious. Therefore, it’s important to approach the milestone with a positive outlook and embrace the opportunities it brings.
The cultural and societal beliefs and sayings about age 40 are varied and reflect a range of attitudes towards this milestone age. While some may suggest that 40 is over the hill or signals a midlife crisis, others view it as a time for new beginnings, empowerment, and self-reflection. Ultimately, the meaning of turning 40 is subjective and depends on the individual’s life experiences and attitude.