My grandmother’s brother, Bharat Nanaji gave me a tour of Himachal. His stories of adventures from decades past fascinated me, but even more inspiring was his youthful energy and humor.

Spending time with my grandparents was a highlight of the trip. They taught me so much about respect, helping people, having fun, and lots more. All I was able to do for them was set up a personalized Google page

You don’t have to be older to be wiser. But time brings with it gifts of opportunity… Opportunities for embarrassments, mistakes, successes. And chances to be forced into making painful decisions. So although age doesn’t guarantee wisdom, it does guarantee more opportunities to have gained it.

Do you seek the wisdom of the Survivor but fear (and therefore avoid) the hardships he must survive?

It is vital for the growth of children and adults alike to create as well as consume. This is especially true for our youngsters, who may not remember a time when the world wasn’t accessible from a desk chair. We have to show them – remind them – that the world they experience doesn’t merely exist. Rather, it is built.

Photo by Tambako the Jaguar

Is learning specific information (facts: dates, names, locations, etc.) as important today for the “Google Generation” as it was before such information was so easily accessible?

If men learn [writing], it will implant forgetfulness in their souls; they will cease to exercise memory because they rely on that which is written, calling things to remembrance no longer from within themselves, but by means of external marks. What you have discovered is a recipe not for memory, but for reminder. And it is no true wisdom that you offer your disciples, but only its semblance, for by telling them of many things without teaching them you will make them seem to know much, while for the most …

The unfettered positivity expressed by these wise and charming women inspired me to reevaluate my definition of wisdom. I went to India with the belief that wisdom was centered around information. I returned from India confident that wisdom is actually rooted in experience and reflection.

Do not fear appearing foolish due to asking questions with obvious answers or making statements that are quickly shown to be false. Such practices are known all too well to Leaders of Wisdom.

Don’t forget that you get to decide what’s funny. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.