Age
Doesn’t
Matter There is an
old man named Joseph who lives in a barrio. He toils in the fields’ everyday. But no matter how much he works in the field, the soil does not produce a good harvest. His friend, Ronnie heard about his problem. Ronnie asked Joseph to join him in attending seminar about farming. But Joseph refused. “I’m too old for that,” Joseph said. “You’re not too old, are you?” “Yes, I am.” “I am getting old. I’m already fifty years old.” said Joseph. “I can’t learn anymore! There’s no point to it.” “That’s not true. You can still learn,” said Ronnie. “It does not matter anymore,” said Joseph. “Why do you say it doesn’t matter? It does! It is Age that doesn’t matter,” “What’s the use?” asked Joseph. “Do leave me alone.” “If we learn some ways of caring for the soil and the plants, we will surely be able to improve our harvest,” said Ronnie. Joseph remained unconvinced so Ronnie said: “Why don’t you light a candle then?” “You’re joking, aren’t you?” Joseph said. “No, I’m not.” answered Ronnie. “It’s like this: a boy who
studies hard while he is young will have a secure life. His life would be like the early morning sun, his life would be
bright and glorious. A middle-aged man who studies is like the bright sun at noon. There would still be a half fine day ahead of him. “When one is old and he still studies, he can be like the flame of a candle in the dark. The flame would still shine bright. The candlelight would light his ways it may not shine as bright as sun but it would still be better than groping in the dark. Whatever knowledge he gains will help him a lot,” Ronnie point out. “You are really a genius, aren’t you?” Joseph said. “No, I’m not, I’m only practical. Just come with me today. Do not give up even before you’ve tried,” Ronnie said.