As You Get Older

[Psamathe]

I'm not far from 70.

When I was younger, "perceived wisdom" was younger people tend to be politically further to the left and move more to the right as they get older. But I seem to almost be going the other way; when working maybe more right wing and now moved further to the left and I have the impression many seem to be moving in similar directions as they get into older age.

My only thought was that maybe when I was younger "right" meant Conservative which was for wealthier pay lower taxer whereas "left" meant Labour which was for more equitable distribution. There were the extremes (Fascism & Communism) but they were very minority only really the very politically active. Maybe these days the left=Labour and right=Conservative has disappeared with Labour being more "right and more extreme parties becoming mainstream hence as people are getting older the "move to the 'right'" would take them into more extreme and less palatable "right".

Are others finding they views change as they get older?

Ian

 

[Ian H]

I find I have more interest in revolutionary socialism as I get older.

 

[briantrumpet]

I find I have more interest in revolutionary socialism as I get older.

Is that what the Wednesday evening pub rides are all about?

 

[Ian H]

Is that what the Wednesday evening pub rides are all about?

Indeed! That and beer (or cider for those so inclined).

 

[briantrumpet]

Indeed! That and beer (or cider for those so inclined).

Must pay more attention next time to pick up the revolutionary vibes (or is that the sound of the wheels turning/coming off?)

 

[Ian H]

Must pay more attention next time to pick up the revolutionary vibes (or is that the sound of the wheels turning/coming off?)

AJP Taylor was a seriously under-rated (by some) historian.
Interviewer: I hear you have strong political views.
Taylor: No. Extreme views, weakly held.

 

[Rusty Nails]

I find I have more interest in revolutionary socialism as I get older.

The irony is that as you get older you are less likely to get involved in the revolution.

Revolution is for the young.

As AJP Taylor describes.

 

[Ian H]

The irony is that as you get older you are less likely to get involved in the revolution.

Revolution is for the young.

As AJP Taylor describes.

I could provide quiet words of wisdom.*

*Though best ignored.

 

[Beebo]

The irony is that as you get older you are less likely to get involved in the revolution.

Revolution is for the young.

As AJP Taylor describes.

To quote Bruce Springsteen in No Surrender.

“There's a war outside still raging
You say it ain't ours anymore to win”

 

[Pblakeney]

I'm not far from 70.

When I was younger, "perceived wisdom" was younger people tend to be politically further to the left and move more to the right as they get older. But I seem to almost be going the other way; when working maybe more right wing and now moved further to the left and I have the impression many seem to be moving in similar directions as they get into older age.

My only thought was that maybe when I was younger "right" meant Conservative which was for wealthier pay lower taxer whereas "left" meant Labour which was for more equitable distribution. There were the extremes (Fascism & Communism) but they were very minority only really the very politically active. Maybe these days the left=Labour and right=Conservative has disappeared with Labour being more "right and more extreme parties becoming mainstream hence as people are getting older the "move to the 'right'" would take them into more extreme and less palatable "right".

Are others finding they views change as they get older?

Ian

I’d pretty much agree with this.
What was right wing is now pretty much central while the right wing would have been considered extreme a decade or so ago.
I’d say Starmer is to the right of Blair, who was considered too right for many Labour supporters.

 

[Regular.Cyclist]

At the moment (mid 50’) I’m growing more right wing. That may change though as I get older.

 

[First Aspect]

I much more strongly disagree with everyone now.

 

[Pblakeney]

I'd swear that there were posts between Monday evening and this evening. 🤔
Maybe that's the senility kicking in.

 

[First Aspect]

In actual response to the OP, I would argue that one's political beliefs get more sophisticated with age. Experience tells us that most simple answers are wrong.

For me, this explains the appeal of the simplicity of some left wing thinking to the young. And also explains the lure of populists to the same demographic now.

The refuge from simplicity seems to be, today at least, Labour.

 

[briantrumpet]

In actual response to the OP, I would argue that one's political beliefs get more sophisticated with age. Experience tells us that most simple answers are wrong.

For me, this explains the appeal of the simplicity of some left wing thinking to the young. And also explains the lure of populists to the same demographic now.

The refuge from simplicity seems to be, today at least, Labour.

I think part of that is the realisation that messy compromises, pragmatism (rather than dogmatism), and least-worst outcomes are what's required. I still want politicians to have principles and aspirations beyond just getting elected, but those principles and aspirations should inform and guide, not dictate.