An older man once said to me that he doesn't listen to opinions unless the person is at least 30. Reasonable?

Question

You know, I was so angry and resentful about this comment until I turned 30 myself. Now I know exactly what he meant. People under 30 or even older sometimes have NO IDEA what they are talking about, especially when it comes to politics and religion. Why is the maturity curve getting higher as time passes. It used to probably be 20,21,22 when people finally grew up. Now, I am certain it is at least 30.

Answer 1

I sort of waffle at this notion. As part of the under 30 crowd theres the simple resentment that if i take the time to try and understand something (of course without the guarantee of success) that my opinion will simply be invalidated because i dont fit a demographic that probably changes over time. On the other hand i am probably as concerned about the listener because i think no matter how reasonable a persons views are, they are a part of that person and they are presenting themselves (sometimes even openly). To simply deny validation to that expression seems sort of cold and potential not very conducive to growth in an emotional sense.

At the same time there certainly is likely a lot to be said for the maturity factor in coming up with views that are reasonable (though i cant quite know entirely what it would be -as until i reach that point i can only guess at it). Im sure there is probably a sense of commonality in maturity that helps to make views more palatable if nothing else (which isnt to say they might not be more well-rounded or wise).

On the whole i think id prefer it if the person listened the to the persons views...and upon deciding that they werent really of value to them, using the justification that the person was a stupid kid (im sort of joking here) instead of simply writing the person off.

Answer 2

Intelligence is keeping an open mind.  Most university graduates have concluded their studies before the age of 30.

Answer 3

no there are many dumb 30 and aboves

Answer 4

The media - primarily TV - has to take the lion's share of the blame. Our crappy educational system has to take a chunk, too.

But there are plenty of people over 30 that are clueless, too. Repeat something often enough, in the news and/or on the tube, and you can convince Americans that pork is a vegetable.

Answer 5

Listen to everyone's opinion .. You never know who may come up with a correct answer.  Sometimes less experience leads to a more open mind . sometimes the answer lies where you least expect it .

         If you don't listen to the young , you'll never know if they have the answers or not.

       I know what the older man means , I'm over 50 myself . That doesn't mean he's right .