Honoring The Elders

Every generation sees further than the one before it. The Mature King respects the people who came before him and tries to see them honestly—not as heroes, not as villains. He knows that if he can see more, it's because they lifted him up high enough to look.

The King resists the arrogance of youth. He grows into a real appreciation of what his ancestors endured and gave up. He wrestles with the mess they left behind. And he accepts, without puffing himself up about it, the gifts that came from their hard work and sacrifice.

The King resists toxic narratives that paint his elders as evil, misinformed, and oppressive. He also resists naive narratives that idealize and deify them. With clear eyes, he examines the past. He honors and continues what is honorable. He transforms what was deluded or misguided.

The King picks up where his ancestors left off. He draws his sense of worth from knowing where he came from and honoring it. Their pain, their blind spots, their unfinished business—all of it lands on his shoulders now. It's not a punishment. It's an inheritance, and it's his turn to carry it forward.

The King does not take on the harm his fathers and mothers did as his own. He protects himself from narratives that ascribe guilt to him for what others did. He sees clearly what has been and works toward a legacy that creates a more beautiful world for all.

Likewise, the King does not take credit for his ancestors' accomplishments. He uses them to inspire his own merit and service.

Claim all who came before as our ancestors. Do not think ourselves below or above them. Study their stories but do not borrow pride or shame from them. Honor their pain by feeling everything and staying awake. Accept their ignorance by committing to live with our eyes wide open.

When we honor our elders, we get to learn from their hard-won wisdom without having to repeat every one of their mistakes. That's a lifetime of experience handed to us for free. But it only flows to those who come with gratitude. Show up with judgment, and the well goes dry.