The Washington Post interviewed fourteen centenarians from different countries, including India, Japan, and America about what advice they had on life and what they would have told to their young selves. I have compiled these fourteen responses, which underscore the principles of Stoicism.
Four cardinal virtues in Stoicism: Courage, Temperance, Justice, and Wisdom.
1. Courage
Sam Baker, a 101-year-old WWII veteran, married his fated soulmate who gave him profound courage to navigate the tumultuous life of constant fighting on the battlefield. Devastated by her passing at 88 due to a heart condition, Baker nonetheless pursued new hobbies and life goals, believing God still had a purpose for him. His current mission is to address Arizona’s water issues. “I have to live to 105, as that’s how long this project will take,” he declared.
In Japan, 107-year-old Hakoishi runs a barbershop. She earned her barber’s license at 18 in this male-dominated field. After her husband died in WWII, she opened her shop to support her children. She takes pride in her diligence and hard work in raising a family single-handedly.
2. Temperance and moderation
Although courage is a key virtue in shaping our lives, an excess of courage can lead to rash errors and unnecessary complications. Alfred, who lived to be 102, always harbored grand ambitions for his life and aimed to achieve numerous goals. At the age of 17, he began working at a news agency. Lacking human connections, mentorship, or formal training, he self-learned to type and gradually progressed to writing brief reports, eventually becoming a journalist.
He concentrated on the skills he could acquire and diligently worked to maximize his potential in his career in India. Alfred became a foreign correspondent for a renowned news agency, reporting on significant global events, including the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and the Vietnam War.
As Von Drehle notes in The Book of Charlie recognizing and steadfastly committing to a certain field we can pursue will achieve a content life with fulfillment.
3. Justice
Singh Grewal, who reached 100, always emphasized the importance of adhering to ethical principles, even when facing adverse outcomes for doing what was right. As an employee of a government agency, Singh held the conviction that true success isn’t measured by wealth or money, but rather by fulfilling one’s authoritative duties with integrity.
4. Wisdom
Wisdom in Stoicism isn’t about esoteric knowledge or complex philosophies known only to a few privileged scholars; it’s about the wisdom of living a better life, fostering a positive mindset, and engaging authentically with others.
With two ears for listening and two eyes for observing, we learn from books, people, and experiences, while refraining from spouting nonsense with our single mouth.
Robbie Hall, now 100 years old, laments forgoing the opportunity to continue her studies in her youth. She discovered that education equips you with essential skills and expands your societal perspectives. “Study well. Study hard,” she consistently advises the children.
Milly, at 110, reflects that she would encourage her younger self to have more self-belief and to pursue her desires. A proper education could have opened various life paths for her to choose from.
Reid Soskin, at 102, is still an avid learner. She constantly asks questions to soak in life’s boundless wisdom and enjoys sharing her remarkable life stories with others.
Paul Dudley, who has reached 100, would urge his younger self not to miss the chance for further education. As a retired esteemed deputy fire chief who teaches firefighting administration, he emphasizes the importance of continual learning and reads daily. “You can never have too much education. There’s always something new to learn,” he reminds young recruits, encouraging them not to neglect their education.
Conclusion
Possessing the courage to confront adversity, committing to our capabilities, adhering to our life principles of righteousness, and embracing lessons from the unknown are values cherished by those who endured WWII, the Great Depression, or the Vietnam War. They assert these principles would guide them if they could start anew, embodying the essence of living a meaningful life—true to the virtues of Stoicism.
