Introduction
The proverb, “At twenty years of age the will reigns, at thirty the wit, and at forty the judgement,” expresses a common perception of how different aspects of human personality and wisdom evolve over time. This saying, often attributed to Benjamin Franklin, encapsulates the development of different cognitive and emotional skills as we age. In this article, we will explore each stage in detail, illustrating them with real-life examples and scientific references.
The Reign of Will at Twenty
In our twenties, our lives are often defined by our ambitions, our passions, and our willpower to achieve our goals. These are the years when many people set out on their own for the first time, venturing into the world filled with dreams and aspirations. The strength of the human will at this age is supported by scientific studies, such as one from the University of Pennsylvania, which showed that 18-24 year-olds tend to display a strong sense of self-efficacy and optimism about their ability to shape their future (Zimmerman, 2013).
For instance, consider the case of Mark Zuckerberg, who launched Facebook at the age of 19. His will to connect the world via a single platform, despite numerous obstacles and naysayers, is a perfect example of how willpower can reign in our twenties.
The Wit at Thirty
As we move into our thirties, our life experiences often begin to shape our wit. Wit, in this context, refers not just to humor, but also to our ability to think quickly, understand complexities, and navigate social situations effectively. This is the period when our cognitive abilities are at their peak, as suggested by research from the Harvard Medical School (Hartshorne & Germine, 2015).
A notable example of this is the career of comedian and writer Tina Fey. Fey first achieved major recognition in her thirties, when she became the head writer for Saturday Night Live and later created the critically acclaimed television series “30 Rock”. Her sharp wit and insightful humor, honed by her experiences and observations, were clearly visible in her work during this time.
The Judgement at Forty
By the time we reach forty, our experiences have given us a wealth of knowledge and understanding. This is when judgement – the ability to make wise decisions and assessments – often comes to the fore. Research from the University of California, Berkeley, suggests that while raw cognitive abilities may peak earlier, skills like judgement and empathy continue to improve well into middle age (Bluck & Alea, 2009).
Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors in the world, is an example of the power of judgement at forty and beyond. Although he was involved in investments from a young age, it was not until his forties and later that his sage investment decisions led to the exponential growth of Berkshire Hathaway, demonstrating his superior judgement.
Conclusion
From the willpower that propels us in our twenties, through the sharpened wit of our thirties, to the refined judgement of our forties and beyond, each stage of life offers its own strengths and virtues. It’s important to remember, however, that this proverb is a generalization, and individuals may develop these qualities at different rates or in a different order. Nevertheless, it provides a valuable framework for understanding how our cognitive and emotional abilities can evolve over time, contributing to our personal growth and wisdom.