Joseph CascianiGeropsychologist, Consultant, Public Speaking, Freelance · Podcast Host of the Living to 100 Club | Clinical Strategies for Senior Residential Settings & Lifestyle Directors | Geropsychologist | Keynote Speaker

The Inner Journey of Aging and Elder Wisdom with Dr. Marc B. Cooper

16 Dec 2024 · 1 min

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1:01

In this reflective monologue, Dr. Marc B. Cooper describes the profound sense of safety, sanctuary, respect, love, and attentiveness he experiences when in the presence of elders, noting that such feelings are rare in contemporary culture. He then differentiates between two kinds of wisdom: conventional wisdom, which is practical knowledge used to excel professionally and sustain a livelihood (which he practiced for 60 years), and higher wisdom, which transcends personal identity and leads to deeper transformation. The speaker emphasizes that while conventional wisdom served him well materially, it did not elevate him beyond his existing self.

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experientially when I was with the elders, who I was in their presence was who I wanted to be. I felt safe. I had some sanctuary. I was able to be attentive. There was high respect. There was high regard. There was love and affection. All of that was present. And so when I sat down with Richard or I sat down with any of the elders that I spend time with, there's just something available. It's a feeling that isn't in our culture. I can say it that way. That way. Sure. And then when you speak about wisdom, there's two kinds of wisdom. In our culture, it's conventional wisdom, which is about knowing what to do and how to do it better than everybody else. That's conventional wisdom. And so I used it. It was very good for me. I made a living out of it for 60 years, but it wasn't higher wisdom. It didn't take you anywhere beyond who you already were.