"If at age 20 you are not a Communist then you have no heart. If at age 30 you are not a Capitalist then you have no brains." (George Bernard Shaw)
I first heard this when I was age 21 trying to change "the system." The lecture group at the college I attended was too large and did not meet as often as I felt necessary. While in full stride, complete with petitions in my hand, an older student said, "I'll sign the petition but nothing's gonna come of it."
"What do you mean?" I replied, "It is so logical and easy to implement. I am certain the university president will have to agree!"
"Alright," he shot back, "Time will tell. But just remember what George Bernard Shaw said and realize that you can't change the world."
The bomb hit at that moment and its impact has never quite ceased. This quote has haunted me since then. What could it really mean? If you think communism is right, why wouldn't you stick with it?
I recently celebrated my 30th birthday, "the big 3-0." I now see clearly the truth of Shaw's statement. I initially learned this idea through Torah study; the kabbalist Nachmanides explains that all the world's wisdom can be found in the Torah. Afterwards, I learned this idea through life experience.
TORAH LESSON
We are all familiar with the biblical story of Joseph. In a dramatic turnaround, Joseph is transformed from jailed prisoner to prime minister of Egypt in a matter of hours. The Torah goes out of its way to tell us that Joseph was 30 years old when he began to rule over Egypt (Genesis 41:46). Why is this significant for us to know?
The famous 12th century commentator Rashbam explains that at age 30 one is "worthy of leadership." Interestingly, the minimum age to run for U.S. Congress is also 30. But what is so significant about being thirty-something and being ready to lead?
Age 30 is a moment of truth when certain realities of life firmly take hold.
I found the answer in a most unlikely place-studying the laws of Rosh Hashana. The Code of Jewish Law (O.C. 581:1) instructs congregations to seek certain qualities when choosing a cantor to lead the services on the High Holidays. One of these qualities is that he should be at least 30 years old. Why? The Mishna Brura explains that it is because a 30-year-old is humble and broken hearted, and can thus sincerely "pray from the heart."
It would seem that the Torah understands age 30 as a "moment of truth" when certain realities of life firmly take hold, and it is only through the acquisition of these realities that one can be a leader -- whether in public life or in prayer. What might these realities be?
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
When I was 20, the world was an open book. I felt as if I could do anything and accomplish everything, while living on nothing. I would become a world-renowned personality -- educating and inspiring, leading and loving -- all without struggle.
Now that I have lived through the 20s decade and had many eye-opening experiences -- jobs that brought lots of surprises, relationships that were difficult to foster and maintain, and neighbors that were a source of friction -- I have become less idealistic about the world than I once was.
I notice that most people do not feel as if they are maximizing their potential.
In many ways, my hopes and dreams of my 20s never materialized, and it is difficult to see when and if they ever will. I notice there are not so many people in the world that have the dream job, and most people do not feel as if they are maximizing their potential.
In short, things don't usually work out in life the way you thought and hoped they would.
NEW RESOLVE
As I reflect on this, I am indeed somewhat heart-broken and humbled. I was living now as a capitalist, a realist, as Shaw remarked. My communist days, my idealistic days, had ended for the most part.
But then it dawned on me. Must I entirely abandon my communism? Communism is a great idea and dream, taking care of all members of society without class envy, but it is impractical. True, you can't implement all your dreams; they may be impractical. But some of them could probably work.
As my birthday hit and I was pondering these thoughts, God sent a messenger to guide me. I bumped into a friend who said, "I just saw the greatest quote: 'If your memories exceed your dreams, the end is near.’"
I have made a birthday resolution. I will still be a dreamer, but a more realistic dreamer.
So I have made a birthday resolution. I will still be a dreamer, but a more realistic dreamer. As a 30-year-old, I am now "worthy of leadership." I can be wise and practical and not try to implement a hopeless fantasy scheme. I am humble and broken-hearted enough to know how to let go of senseless dreams.
Indeed, the Talmud (Pirkei Avot 5:26) declares: "At age 30, one receives strength." This is the strength of character needed to pursue life's goals. The 20s process of trial and error leads to a more secure decade of the 30s, when a person is focused on true talents, pursuable goals, and genuine accomplishments.
The old cliche is true: A jack-of-all-trades is a master of none. The 20s are the training ground to become a jack-of-all-trades. The 30s is the time to focus and master those talents that can be applied in practical directions.
Yes, George Bernard Shaw, how right you were. But I'll always be a bit of a communist!
(57) David, November 29, 2017 12:49 PM
I'm surprised the age of thirty wasn't mentioned as the age the levi'im of yore would take up their service to the Temple ( as I understand kohanim and levi'im would only serve IN the Temple a day or few days out of the year, but other duties like teaching Torah throughout the Land was still TO the Temple although not IN it. I love how Judaism elevates time over place; love of the Land being-- an exception?) As an individual with shaman's illness ( much more empowering than "schizophrenia") deeply affected fantastic and mystical thinking I approached my 30th this last summer with contemplation tying together learning Hebrew and starting through my one year study bible and Torah with Rashi portions with my shamanic and levitic identity as an integral part of my turning to Judaism. To learn that 30 holds special meaning in Judaism beyond that is very comforting, like Judaism is a mirror showing my true reality the way no other senses or creative thinking could.
(56) Anonymous, May 24, 2013 12:40 PM
The uncertain horizon
I just turned 30 a couple of months ago. It was a rude awakening for me. When you realize that the 20's chapter of your life has just been closed forever, it's a sobering thought. Now I look across the horizion where the 30's decade awaits. With excitement & apprehension I'm sailing across this ocean of life. I regret not having dreams in my 20's as it was a decade of hardships, personal calamity & spiritual disillusionment. But in hindsight they were blessings all along. Despite not owning a home a car & having a wife and kids to love and take care off, things which society would expect someone of my age to have arquired by now, turning 30 has made me have a more clearer picture of who I am and what possible places this world has for me. Thankyou for the article
(55) Chukwuma, February 10, 2013 7:47 PM
dream versus faith
All you said is so true. Am a dreamer, but the cliche that whatever the mind can conceive the hand can make aint so true or simple. Now I must dream within 'reality'. But I kinda wonder where faith fall into
(54) ajmishra, September 6, 2012 11:17 PM
hat's off to u man!!
dude i m some wat like u dreaming abt things that r hard to materialize . But i still do not wanna giv up hope,bcoz if everyone gave up the hope to bcum the prime minister, then noone wd bcum the prime minister. So if u give it up even before trying u have already lost half the battle, then n there!!! I do not want to do that , sir. i want to try n try my heart out until i achieve my goal or finally realize that its not my cup of tea!!! So i'll keep in mind watever u said,but i am not going to give up on my dream!!!
(53) Ahsan, April 9, 2012 4:11 PM
Thanks.
Funny..I googled this much like several other people :) Thank you for the article, loved it!
Virajnee, October 31, 2012 7:55 PM
Thanks too
yeah, same here.
(52) .axina, March 16, 2012 11:26 AM
Ahh....Sigh of Relief
Thanks for the positive spin on turning 30. Today is my Birthday. And I am terrified about getting older. Terrified about not being where I wanted to be, I am single, no kids and in between jobs. Don't get me wrong, I have much to be grateful for, but the fact that I have always been my own worst critic, I just don't want to go into my 30's and continuing to make the same stupid mistakes. So I too googled turning 30 and your article was the only breath of fresh air. Thanks for the Birthday Gift...Hope for the future!
(51) 30, December 22, 2011 9:51 PM
I think even George Bernard Shaw probably still remained a dreamer in some ways. But the for the most part, I think he meant, to become a realist.
(50) La Zsaga, September 21, 2011 2:49 AM
No one warned me about turning 30!!
I turned 30 last year, for one whole year I was 30 and felt so..alone! I was one of those rare 30 yr olds with -No kids -Don't own a home -Single -Still go clubbing - Lots of qualifications but no where to use them..am I really alone on this? Most of my 1980's friends have the kid/home/ hubby thing going on..me?...uugh! No thanks. I googled turning 30 and couln't find any similar stories to....help me along. I tried quickly to grow up and get a full time job, stop clubbing and try and find a man. So, here i am today, turning 31..with a full (ish) time job..but still single, clubbing and generally loving life. I think what I do realise now is that..times are changing and instead of 'trying' to be a '30' year old I should have just been the me I am meant to be. 31 today! Seems so much better than being 30...aaahhh...breath....love it. When I was just a little girl I asked my mother, what will I be? Will I be pretty? Will I be rich? Here's what she said to me....... Que sera sera! What ever will be will be
Anonymous, April 25, 2012 1:55 PM
same same turning 31!!
Hi There, I'm in the same boat, I'm turning 31 now end of April, and all my other friends my age are married, kids, house etc... me I'm not living at home, but single no kids, loving life, very much still over induldge in tequila and Whiskey on week-ends, Looking for a permanent job at moment only working 3 days a week. I wouldnt say I'm ugly I could say I am a pretty girl think I'm just really set in my ways and loving life too much to consider compromising for anybody. Well I believe in Love at first sight that is why I'm still single, coz I haven't met the "one" !! I am so tired of people asking me when i'm going to get a boyfriend etc... as if I could just click my fingers and let the "one" appear!! As if!! It doesn't work that way!! Anyways great to know I'm not the only 31 year old woman out there still single and partying and loving life:-)
(49) Nicole Moletsane, May 28, 2011 12:21 AM
Life's lessons
I have been dreading my 30th birthday and now I realise that the reason is because I felt I was entering unknown territory..and slightly unsure of how to lay my 20's to rest.After reading this article I understand exactly what I am supposed to do.In my 20's I got lost,made mistakes,learnt the lessons and found myself.Now is the time to apply those lessons and live my purpose.30 and thriving as they say!! I have put my bucket list together so I'm off to climb Kilimanjaro,to paint and eat stuffed Olives and mushrooms in Paris.
(48) Bryce Davidson, October 9, 2010 10:24 PM
Life is only a test .
(27) Bryce Davidson, I will be turning 30 in 2 years and I have been thinking some what about this. I have worked at many jobs I have not yet gone to collage but I do plan on going soon. For those of you that are 30 well done you are off to a great start. I think ofton times we think that life is a race and you have to beat the person that is ahead of you. Life has tryals and the older we get the more we relise this. Growing up I have strugeld with learning disibiletys. But having to cope with this I have learnd that if we are patinet we can over come. As some one who is a little younger I want you to know that we look up to you. keep moving forword you have great worth.
(47) Nikki Brown, September 21, 2010 2:12 PM
Your Latter Will Be Greater!
I was 23 when I lost my 15 year old brother to an accidental shooting. This event changed my life and I spent the latter end of my 20's just trying to figure out which way was up and how to put the peices of my life back together. I fear getting older and turning 30 this June, but that fear is matched with excitement in that I deeply feel that God has so much more to reveal to me and that the latter part of my life will be greater and bigger than I could ever imagine.
(46) Anonymous, September 2, 2010 10:18 AM
Perfect vort for my husband's birthday!
I have been looking for words that will somehow uplift my husband on his 30th birthday this week as opposed to just feeling older. This article has given me lots to offer him and sources too which I'm sure he'll be asking for! many thanks to Rabbi Leff!
(45) Sarah, August 26, 2010 2:03 AM
As the sun sets right now...I turn 30 (Hebrew Birthday)
I want to thank you very much for this article, and thank you also to the people who commented here. The article also resonated very much with me, and brought tears to my eyes, but in a very good way. This article helped me to acknowledge what I had already felt, very strongly, and made me feel not alone in that. Thank you. Shanah Tova to all as well.
(44) Jo, July 20, 2010 12:31 AM
30 in 9 days!
I cannot believe how true this is. I have been working on a side job for myself (writing and tattoo idea) in this time of my life. Huge transitions are happening in my life and when I was 20 I never thought I would be where I am today. It's amazing actually. I didn't get involved with anything until I was in my mid 20's. And the jack of all trades statement was my life for many of those years. I appreciate this blog/writing. It has truly touched me. Thank you for posting! I have taken some of the examples you've used and I am going to research them too so I can get a better understanding of what it is you're talking about. Thank you!
(43) louisa marie, July 3, 2010 4:23 PM
turning 24 tomorrow
wow!
(42) Brandon Johns, May 24, 2010 10:25 PM
Turning 30 shouldn't be what it was 30 years ago.
The average lifespan 30 years ago was 73. It is now 80 and many are living beyond that. I turn 30 next year and I would like to think it is not the age it once was. We are in 2010, not 1950. We millinials born in the 1980s are now starting to hit 30. We are going to revolutionize it!
(41) Jeannette, May 19, 2010 8:01 AM
I agree!
I really enjoyed this post. I turn 30 in 5 days, and this really resonated with me,
(40) , May 14, 2010 5:07 AM
Well really I don't know whatt osay about turning 30. Ijust turned 30 on may 2nd and really have not alot to show for it, which is how I feel. I feel that I should have something to show for turning 30. I get pissed whenI hear of twenty somethings buying huge lavish homes or sars, or businesses. Why I begrudge them, who knows? I guess that;s just being 30.
(39) anubhuti, May 13, 2010 6:57 AM
I will turn thiry in January..there's so much in your post that made sense. Particularly for someone like me becuase I work in a feild that does want to change the world. My work reqires me to be both a dreamer and a capitalist(in the sense that I have to make frustrating governement systems perform, change hardened behaviour like those in street children etc to show concrete results). It took me the journey all through the decade 20's decade in my life to dream realistically and not feel like I am giving up on my dreams.
(38) Warren Burstein, January 19, 2010 10:11 PM
Shaw did not say it. Neither did Churchill.
Hint: Google quotes before posting them, particularly the one with which you start your piece. http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Winston_Churchill#Misattributed
(37) Christina, January 13, 2010 2:55 PM
Turning 30?? And depressed????
Suck it up!!! Put your big boy/girl pants on and let's go! I just turned 30. I am still the same person, with the same dreams, I still laugh at everything, and am still goofy and silly. Age is a number.....don't let it steal who you are. You can not wear it as a label. If you let this number effect you like this, how would you handle a medical diagnosis? I have both. And yet, still find the joy in everything. :) Life is to be lived. Stop moping and start exploring!
(36) Daz, July 24, 2009 9:35 AM
Turning 30
Wow, my comment from December 16, 2001 still lives here! Life travels fast, The journey since I made that entry has been incredible, at age 33 I walked into AA meeting in Australia and found out I was an Alcoholic, That threw everything into the air, who I was' the lot, Since that time in sobriety I've been on quest to find the real me, What a rush, Changed careers, became a fire fighter messed up a few times, but I'm told that what happens when you live life on lifes terms without the bottle, Today I'm on a spiritual journey and handing my life over to a higher power I'm still trying to connect with, thank god I'm still alive.
(35) Anonymiss, April 29, 2009 12:01 AM
Excellent read..
Turning 30 had made me very depressed. I never knew it could have this effect. And I agree that somehow u can never be kiddish after this age and that freaks me out..I hope I come out of this soon..
(34) Anonymous, February 19, 2009 7:13 PM
thank you
i just turned thirty today and this was a great read :)
(33) Gabriele Morelli, November 13, 2008 5:31 AM
-12 hours.... getting there!!! thanks for the full-of-hope essay :) Makes me feel so much better, and i can see myself in it a lot!! Peace
(32) Tiffany, October 31, 2008 5:13 PM
turning 30 is depressing and stressful
i will tell the truth since no 1 will..I have turned 30 and i have lost friends that are only a few years yunger tan me , i am constantly told that i dont look 30 but what the flk do 30 look like anyway, i feel like im in isolation, i have not had all of the fun that i have wanted to in life because of learning and raising a child at a yung age, and now that i still feel and look fine, i am burdened about how old i am for this and how i shouldnt want to be into that?? i mean, once you get over 25 in the entertainment industry..that is even too old to become a model or even a reall entertainment unless u have some serious cash or a GOD given talent...what the flk is wrong with this society...if we cant even embrace 30 as just another number how in the hell can i survive turning 40? i now see why people take their own lives and become overwhelmingly depressed..
(31) David H, September 18, 2008 3:46 PM
Thought provoking read
What a thought provoking read. I read your interesting piece just hours before I am due to turn 30. It is a funny time in one's life - you are not quite sure where you fit. An akward time, a time for reflection, and a time to learn lessons from your 20s. I hope being a 30 year old will make me a better person.
(30) sarah, August 15, 2008 6:15 AM
well written
Really enjoyed your essay - thank you I am especially feeling the jack-of-all trades reflection. Am 28 and like who I am and what I do but now I think its time for some serious focus :0)
(29) Jen, August 11, 2008 4:18 PM
2 days and counting...nice to hear it's common to be making big changes in your life at this milestone and it's not just me!
(28) shimmy, August 4, 2008 5:37 AM
making the changes needed
i'm turning 30 v shortly. I'm at the point where I'm reflecting and seeing all the things in my life that aren't 100%. This review period is motivating me to make some changes... Change obviously brings some fear, so I have been feeling a little nervous about turning 30... I,m wondernig if anyone else started to make changes because the onset of 30 was upon you - and the feeling that you needed to get it all together and grow up?
(27) Young Miss Barrington, April 10, 2008 1:56 AM
I am interested in submitted something for the aurthur above
I am 27 years old and i wasn't ready for what life has thrown my way over the last few months, its all new and most of the time i find it hard to deal with because i have never had to deal with such things on my own before.. and thats where i realised it.. All my life i have been cushioned by my beautiful family who loved me so much they sheltered me from the demands of life. I grew up to be a bubbly, dynamic, friendly and lovable woman as i'm still called today. I had nothing to complain about! Nowadays however, as a 27 year old woman that cushion is no longer there and it has been an eye opener and an experience i will never forget. Sometimes its hard to be that same bubbly person that everyone knows.. life for the first time feels unfair at times. So far, in the end, thngs always work out. With the love of my family, friends and fantastic boyfriend/soulmate which i'm very greatful for. Everything balances out and this is reality. I just don't want to lose that unique spark of mine that makes me, me. Thank you
(26) mike, April 7, 2008 9:16 PM
Thank You
I turned 30 today and your story has helped me. Life begins at 30!
(25) chad, March 15, 2008 2:34 AM
Thanks for the advice!!!
I will turn 30 in a month... Where are all the dreams I had in my teens and 20's? I am realizing my mortality... Time flies now! Why is my life going bye so fast? I want it to slow down! I want to have time to enjoy this life God gave me. Am I old? When I am I old???
(24) Irene, February 21, 2008 10:35 PM
share your story in my book?
I am also turning 30 in March 2008. I am actually writing an entire book about it, partly my story, but also looking for a collection of other stories. I wanted to know if the people who replied to you (the 2008 posts) are interested in submitting a brief excerpt of their life up (or anything they feel like talking about) until their 30th birthday, to include in my book? If you think these people who just turned 30 recently would be interested, even mildly interested, please write back to me at the email id I entered (subject: 30th birthday) and I can provide you with more details to see if you are interested in following through with this. Thank you, and may 2008 be a great year for you!
(23) Beatrice (Bea), February 20, 2008 10:39 PM
Truths taht last
It doesnt matter when the message was written, or to whom it was intended.Sound advice is valuable even 60yrs down the line.Thats the stuff truth is made of.I'm not 30 yet but it does help to know that in a few years the fears i presently have in my 20's (being unsure and uncertain) will be put to better light when i turn 30.Thank you Rabbi Leff
(22) keith, February 17, 2008 12:44 AM
turning 30
I am about to turn 30 myself. My 20's they was a joke; job to job, not doing the things in life as i have should. Less than a week i'll be 30; the last couple of days has been driveing me crazy about being the big 3-0. i hope it;ll be better than my 20's. Reading the article really explain alot and anwsered alot of questions for me. I will 100% in my 3rd decade give it my all. thanks
(21) Anonymous, January 11, 2008 10:01 AM
George was wrong
You can change the world. Maybe I have no brain now. I just turned 30... Today. The world changes daily. If you do one thing it could impact change. Thus change the world. e.g. If you launched an internet virus that infected every computer in world. That would change the world. It is all in how you look at changing the world.
(20) rob, August 5, 2007 4:46 PM
teary eye
i don't know if it was the music i was listening to while i was reading this, but this totally hit a note for me. Great great article! Those quotes are amazing!
(19) Sam, December 18, 2006 1:27 PM
THANK YOU!
I'm turning 30 in 4 days. I'd been feeling depressed about making the shift from my 20s to my 30s and your article inspired me. I was seeing "30" in a different light. I shed some of my idealism many years ago so the transition from idealism to realism won't be major. I do not feel "experienced or wise". Why? Because as much as I have seen, there are millions of things I haven't seen. I've lived my life the best way I can. And I will continue to live, learn and love everyday.
So thank you for putting 30 into a different light for me. The article might be 5 years old, and maybe it was directed to a different religious background, but it was exactly what I needed today.
(18) DEZ, November 19, 2006 6:45 PM
Leave the garbage behind!!!
I turn 30 in 3 days. I say, "Bring it on." I told my sister-in-law that turning 30 means taking knowledge, wisdom, and experiecne with you and leaving behind ALL the garbage of your twenties. For many, myself, it means drugs, alcohol, and other forms of abuse and neglect. For others...they must figure that out. Here's to a new decade.
(17) Giriraj, August 1, 2006 12:00 AM
Somehow a better understanding seeps in right at beginning of 30
Vision of being 30: Stand in the middle of the road that stretches ahead as far as it is behind... Wonder when so many years passed. To my left are the memories the dreams the ambitions the aims the desires that have gone by and to the right I think I know now after so many years right at the brink of turning 30 as to what to expect ahead on the road to my right. Little that surpises, little that amazes, the infinite possibilities seem like programmed to the actions (commands) of the past. Yet the unknown unthinkable aspect remains firm ahead in its stand waiting for me to approach his hands. This time with knowledge of what could be why it is that is to be...
Anonymous, March 14, 2013 9:37 AM
WOW!
(16) Lee, March 3, 2005 12:00 AM
The Age of Reason
Turning 30 is not the evil it is portrayed i am 30 in one hour and am looking forward to a decade of being the younger of the more wiser and knowing group of people.In my 20's i was excused of being still young enough not to know better, now i'm turning 30 i hope for people to listen and understand that what i have learnt may hold some semblance for someone in life.Turning 30 for me will not be the start of OLD age but rather the beginning of a NEW age,an age where i can make my mark on the world and say that I EXISTED.
(15) Lennox, November 11, 2003 12:00 AM
I turn 30 in two days. I've always considered myself to be a secure, confident person, but for the past two weeks, I've been shocked that biology and time could rattle my shake my confidence. I think its just that in our culture, we assign value to tradition and significance of events in factors of 10. Noone's life can ever really fitinto such a ridiculous formula. I once heard someone say something like, "Nobody knows anything about life until they're 30.
I've had a blast in my 20's and don't feel like I've missed out on anything to feel insecure about turning 30. Yet there is something about that number.
The 20's are a time for soul-searching and experimentation. Now that I'm almost 30 I have a sense of inner peace, I'm not so neurotic about the small stuff and I'm a better judge of character and situations than I ever was and that is something to be proud of--that I haven't accidentally killed myself yet while using a blendor to make margueritas!
(14) sierra, April 15, 2003 12:00 AM
From another 30 year old
( my apologies if this message is sent twice, but I didn't see it show up)
I read this article, and you hit the nail right on the head.
I will be 31 2003, and I feel like the age 30 has been by far, the smartest year of my life. I have come to realizations, that I had never even imagined before. Also the cold reality of life has hit like a ton of bricks.
Honestly, for me, something changed when I turned 25, I realized I wasn't the dreamy "everything will be just fine person" I used to be.
But 30............Well, that is just another plateau.
I have a two year old son, and he has made me look at things more honestly too....
(13) Sidney, November 26, 2002 12:00 AM
I Get It...
Reading your article did what it was design to do, make me think. Unlike a few others that have written a commentary. I can appreciate your insight from what it is and see past any differences of opinion regarding politics, religion or outlooks. I will be turning 30 in the next couple of months and have experienced all the feelings you described to some degree. For the record I am not only a Christian, but an African-American. Thanks for providing an outlet.
(12) dave harwin, January 13, 2002 12:00 AM
how i feel the day of my 30th b-day
your articles made laugh, cry and think very hard, you have some very intelligent insightful and skilled writers. today i turned 30 and read your article TURNING 30. i felt for the first time building up to this age, a sense of hope and reassurance that what i was feeling was normal. i also was encouraged by the article that life isnt over it is just a beginning to a new chapter of life that promises to be better than the last. i mean isnt that what we live and strive for, growing, appreciating and a better all around way of life. i can honestly say that when i die i will have done my best to accomplish my goals, even though i am only starting to work on them now. by trade i am a private investigator, at heart i am a wandering seeker of truth, and understanding, a daydreamer, a hopeless romantic, a lover and a fighter.
for so long now i have not paid attention to the things that really define who i am, i became the investigator for other people and stopped investigating myself. i look on this time period as a time when my life stood still. recently i have started to drift back to my self, once again looking inward becoming the daydreamer and searching for understanding. i believe it is a time for change and in the back of my mind i will always ponder this.
just some rambling thoughts.
dave harwin
(11) Anonymous, December 16, 2001 12:00 AM
Turning 30
On the eve of turning thirty I seek to make sense of this milestone no more can you play naive because there isnt any more excuses but thats fine because im ready for the next stage being the decade of leadership, development,and contemplation any person worried about this up coming event relax go for a run grab a beer do whatever but just be gratefull you have had the great fortune of making it this far as so many through history have not.
(10) Anonymous, November 11, 2001 12:00 AM
Robert Browning said it before: "A man's reach should exceed his grasp; else what's a heaven for?"
"Grow old along with me; The best is yet to be; The last of life for which the first was made." from his poem Rabbi Ben Ezra, I believe...
(9) Anonymous, October 11, 2001 12:00 AM
not quite accurate
Just a note - one can run for the US House of Representatives at the age of 25, the Senate at 30, and for president at 35. The senate is supposed to be more deliberate, though, by design, so the point is well taken, regardless.
(8) A 20-yr. old conservative, October 8, 2001 12:00 AM
A defense
I think that a number of the previous comments have misunderstood what Rabbi Leff is trying to say about Communism. In practice, it is true that Communism has been a total failure, due to human nature. However, from the viewpoint of a dreamer, isn't it a utopian ideal to have no poverty, no racism, and no greed? Rabbi Leff sees now that Communism is doomed to failure, and to the achievement of goals antithetical to the original aim, because it runs with the assumptions that man is entirely rational and has full control over his desires and feelings (and that man is inherently good). However, the spoken goals of the Communist movement seem to be in-line with the Jewish characteristic of being "rachamanim b'nei rachamanim" - "merciful children of merciful parents". Woe is us that the evil inclination forces us into the dog-eat-dog capitalist world that is necessary to defend our own well-being and the well-being of society as a whole
(7) avi aharon, October 4, 2001 12:00 AM
Communism is not stupidity, it is evil
Why must one wait to be 30 to become realistic? Why does 'dreaming' (how about 'planning ahead'?) differ from being realistic?
(6) sharon kende, October 3, 2001 12:00 AM
I'll always be a bit of a socialist
why a commusnist? Stalin is dead and so are a lot of the people who disagreed with him. most people put Stalin and communism together.
or china and communism? is that such a nice thought? I think socialism is more humaine and more worthy of having the throne of idealism for the 20 somethings of today and yesterday
(5) Shira Levin, October 3, 2001 12:00 AM
Hitting the age of 30 and a change of view.
When a person reaches the age of 30 one's view of life changes becoming more
realistic. It's harder to be a dreamer at age 30.
(4) , October 2, 2001 12:00 AM
Right on! Discard the unworkable, retain the good.
This article and comments reminds me of these maxims from Ethics of the Fathers: "Do not scorn any man, and do not discount anything. For
there is no man who has not his hour, and no thing that has not its place." And also, "Who is wise? He that learns from all men."
A lot of what we take for granted came from the ideas and sweat of people whose worldview are diametrically opposed to ours. These contributions are the ideas that were deemed sound and beneficial and thus were retained while the unworkable or bad ones were discarded. Much like the dynamics of evolution. Much like the dynamics of growing up.
I admire Rabbi Leff for going to less traveled places and picking up precious stones and wisely leaving the chaff. Thanks for sharing these precious stones.
(3) , October 1, 2001 12:00 AM
Very Good, But...
Should one give up trying to make the dreams a reality. In Halachic Man, Joseph Soloveitchik defines his titles personality as one trying to actualize the perfect world set forth in Torah. Taking the ideal and measuring it against the real. This piece was excellent and touched many personal heartstrings, however, does one give up? I don't have the answer but am not ready for the partial no, in this article.
(2) Mark Glochowsky, October 1, 2001 12:00 AM
You may be thirty, but you have a lot to learn ...
Rabbi Leff,
Your comments about how you admire communism are moronic. You say 'Communism is a great idea and dream, taking care of all members of society without class envy, but it is impractical.' I guess that depends on what you mean by 'taking care' of them. If you mean taking care of them by way of the murder of millions, then I agree, since this is the record of communism. I for one, don't want to be taken care of. I want to be responsible for myself, and expect others to do the same. This is how adults behave. You clearly don't have a grasp on reality though, if you admire such a system. The reason communism doesn't work, and indeed can't work, is that it does not account for variations in personal ambition, or human nature. People don't all want to be equal. I want to be better off than the other guy, and I want to do it through my own hard work. What you describe as merely impractical, is in fact, impossible. Shame on you. Grow up. Be a man.
(1) Anonymous, October 1, 2001 12:00 AM
sincere, but misdirected.
The previous respondant made a very valid point in regards to HaRav in
Halakhic Man. Also, if not for the
"immature" idealism of the Forefathers
and Foremothers in Tanach, the world would have remained a pagan, cruel world. On this point, yoram Hazoni has written a fantastic essay on
"civil disobedience", a proud jewish tradition; don't forget the 8-hour workday and six day work week many of our great grandparents fought and even died for, as well as more recent battles against antisemitism, sexism, racism. If simply turning 30 is supposed to cause any sort of enlightenment about how we "can't change the world", it should be that the ethics we DO change the world with (and by extension the actions, ie, Mitsvot..), had better have a Transcendant basis. Before considering further "insights" from Shaw, it might help to bear in mind that he was an early supporter of Hitler (Toland's bio of Hitler, p.409), as well as Irish fascists.