Article June 10, 1939 Issue

"Never record ages"

ETHEL DANIELS HUBBARD

The writer was once given a reminder of the right mental attitude towards age. While she was talking with another student of Christian Science, the conversation turned upon one in whom both were interested, but whom the writer had never seen. Impelled by curiosity, she asked, "About how old is she?" Promptly her companion answered: "I have no notion. I have so trained myself not to think of people in terms of years that I really cannot judge a person's age." Though it was not so intended, the reply was a salutary rebuke.

In the economic world today, the stress laid upon age is sometimes disquieting. In the days of youth, one may be considered too young to occupy a certain position; before many years elapse he is reckoned too old to retain it. The average active career is of tantalizingly brief duration. The undue emphasis upon age today serves to embarrass humanity, and to lay upon men an unwarranted burden of anxiety and discouragement. The question arises, Is it necessary to acquiesce in this widespread belief of limitation, or is there a spiritual fact through the understanding of which one may escape its shackles, and be free to express himself in untrammeled and happy activity?

The scientific analysis of the world's assumptions regarding age and the spiritual antidote for their spurious claims are set forth with particular emphasis on pages 244–248 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. These deserve diligent study and application in our daily living, if we would begin to free ourselves and others from the limitations of age beliefs. In the teachings of Christian Science we find explicit refutation of the belief of life as material, which has deceived the whole world. Our Leader, having learned the nature of Life as God, recognized true existence as completely separate from the false concepts which comprise mortal existence. In her writings she has shown us how to avoid acceptance of the universal belief of existence as material, and the unhappy effects of this belief. Hers was an invaluable service to humanity, and we acknowledge and honor her great work.

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