Anything invented after you’re thirty-five is against the natural order of things
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The quote, "Anything invented after you’re thirty-five is against the natural order of things," speaks to the natural human resistance to change, especially as one grows older. It encapsulates the idea that people tend to become more set in their ways and comfortable with the technologies and norms they grew up with, finding it increasingly difficult to adapt to new inventions and advancements as they age.
This resistance stems from a variety of factors. Firstly, there's a deep-rooted psychological comfort in the familiar. Technologies and societal structures that were part of our formative years often feel natural and intuitive, creating a sense of nostalgia and stability. When we encounter new inventions or ideas later in life, they can seem foreign, complicated, or unnecessary, disrupting our established routines and challenging our understanding of the world.
Furthermore, cognitive flexibility, which is the ability to adapt our thinking and behavior to new situations, tends to decline with age. This can make learning and adopting new technologies more daunting. For someone over thirty-five, who has already spent decades mastering certain tools and systems, the prospect of starting anew with something unfamiliar can seem not only inconvenient but also fundamentally disruptive to their way of life.
Another layer to consider is the social and cultural implications. People often form part of communities that share similar experiences and practices. When new inventions emerge, they can create a generational divide, where younger individuals embrace the new while older ones cling to the old. This divide can reinforce the notion that these innovations are unnatural or unwelcome.
The quote also subtly critiques the pace of technological change in modern society. Inventions and innovations are accelerating at an unprecedented rate, leaving little time for individuals to adapt. For someone who has already experienced significant technological shifts by the age of thirty-five, each new wave can feel increasingly overwhelming, amplifying the perception that these changes are against the natural order.
In essence, this quote highlights the inherent human challenge of balancing progress with stability. It underscores the tension between our innate desire for continuity and the relentless march of innovation. While it might seem to lament the difficulty older generations have with new inventions, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding across generational lines, as each group navigates the ever-evolving landscape of human ingenuity.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Anything invented after you’re thirty-five is against the natural order of things" is often attributed to Douglas Adams (Bio / Quotes). Douglas Adams was an English author and humorist who is best known for his science fiction series "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
