Talking with 'elders'

AlfredApple · 2016-06-28T22:00:13+00:00

Whilst you may think yourself "smarter" it's better to remain quiet and be thought a fool than speak and confirm it.

Who cares if an aunt thinks you're an idiot, you probably are in her eyes since she has a different frame of reference as to measure wisdom.

Yes, a lot of older people are idiots but they have 20+ years of life experience on you, don't think that just because you have read some atheist blogs, understand basic astronomy or can built a script to automate something you are smarter than others.

ehcolston2 · 2016-06-28T21:27:49+00:00

You still see them as authority figures, and you subconsciously are afraid of getting a punishmemt from them if you talk back. You first have to weigh your options when talking to "elders" to make sure that you won't get any harsh consequences from talking back.

If it's not to much of a threat to talk back, then you should do it, preferably with some amused mastery. It takes time, and you have to consciously do it a first. After some time though, you will get used to doing it, and it will come naturally.

dr_warlock · 2016-06-29T03:03:51+00:00

Before the invention of writing, school, the internet, cities, and mechanical/ animal transportation, the only way to learn was to observe those around you and mimic what works. The elders were the most wise and cared for despite their physical uselessness because all knowledge of survival and philosophy was trapped into their heads. When they speak around the fire, you shut up and listen. The only way to obtain knowledge was to live it and listen to those older than you. This is why humans instinctively defer to elders.

Jakei34 · 2016-06-29T03:39:12+00:00

I feel a bit smarter than others in certain areas so I tend to 'correct' my peers.

Don't criticize others. Say less than necessary. Don't offend the wrong person.

You correct people, you get a high chance of them feeling inferior to you. People don't like feeling inferior. Trust me, in middle school and under, I would always say some smart shit and use high vernacular and correct others when reading, solely for an ego boost to feel good about myself.

To make it sweet and simple--A lot disliked me for it.

disgruntledearthling · 2016-06-29T09:58:50+00:00

whereas the real me is a bit cocky/critical.

I'm an old fart...

Cocky/funny is always fun to talk with regardless of age. Just calibrate according to the personality of the person, not necessarily the age.

Nobody likes 'critical', regardless of age. Loose that otherwise you'll loose everyone around you.

Title	Talking with 'elders'
Author	throwitdownman
Upvotes	2
Comments	7
Date	June 28, 2016 9:09 PM UTC (10 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/askTRP
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/asktrp/comments/4qbt9g/talking_with_elders/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/askTRP/talking-with-elders.107600 https://theredarchive.com/post/107600

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