Article October 2, 1976 Issue

Age Is No Alibi

OLIVE HALL SHADGETT

Do we sometimes use age as an alibi—as an excuse for passive acceptance of limitations placed on mankind by a belief of too many years or too few? Certainly the world in general attributes many weaknesses to advancing years and excuses many failings on that basis. At the other end of the scale, world belief often limits young people by believing them incapable of mature judgment or responsible action.

Christian Science refuses to accept either belief. It teaches that man is God's reflection and is forever complete and perfect, not dependent on the passing of years for his maturity or for his vigor. Moreover, it shows that even in human experience, the truth of man, when realized, shines through the fog of mortal seeming and nullifies the false beliefs of limitation attributed to age.

Throughout history individuals have accomplished great things when well past the age usually set for retirement. They have proved and are continuing to prove that age is not a determining factor in the expression of intelligence and vigor and in the ability to fulfill responsibilities in a wide variety of activities. To assume otherwise and lessen one's endeavors because of lessened expectations would be to use age as an excuse for not demonstrating man's God-given capacities.

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