The Rapture Of Maturity: A Legacy Of Lifelong Learning

by Charles D. Hayes

Like great plays, movies, and novels, our lives tend to reveal their meaning with greater clarity near the end. To get it right, we must apply artistry and the wisdom of experience to our final chapters. With The Rapture of Maturity , lifelong learning advocate Charles D. Hayes reminds adults in the September of their days that they have one last chance to matter as human beings. What will people say of you when you are gone? What do you wish they would say?

What really matters when your own mortality looms on the horizon? Will future generations be better off because of you? Hayes reminds us that as long as we are alive these are open questions. By continuing to examine our values, our motivations, and our common beliefs, by exploring issues beyond the superficial level of popular culture, and by teaching our grandchildren to do the same, older adults can demonstrate to younger generations that we truly have something going for us after all. The Rapture of Maturity affirms the joys of discovery and insight that accompany thoughtful reflection on our years of lived experience and a pursuit of deeper understanding. It encourages the kind of thinking that can transform human relations on a global scale. Rapture is the reward of living authentically and acting deliberately to leave the world a better place than we found it. For those who seek such a goal, this book is indispensable.

Genres: Self Help

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2004

Reviews

[Jon Gauthier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayes makes an astoundingly well-researched case for continued self-education. For those who have read his Self University, this is in some ways a continuation of the assertions made by the younger Hayes that authored that book. It's very obviously targeted at an age group much older than my own (in the so-called "September" of their lives), but the main point rings just as true on my end: it's simply irresponsible to spend our few years on this rock and fail to investigate the nature of the human condition and of human relationships. Furthermore, a lack of such self-searching study leaves us exposed and emotionally volatile, our allegiance up for purchase by the highest bidder.

TODO: Reread in my own September.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What will people say about me after I’m gone?" "After the funeral, and after the will, how will everyone think of me?" For the average young person, such thoughts are not important. However, once a person reaches their 50th birthday, such thoughts become much more important. That’s what this book is all about.

The author looks at properties of life (like the Properties option in computer software). Interesting activities make the time pass quickly, but when we are bored, or doing something we don’t want to do, time passes very slowly. A fundamental way to learn to move with the flow of life, instead of against it, is to understand change as an essential property of life. Regret is a built-in component of learning life’s most important lessons. A life devoid of passion is a life lived at room temperature; we either have passion or we don’t. Curiosity usually depends on imagination and courage to proceed; it is the spark that lets imagination burn brightly.

Various aspects of human life are also considered. No matter how famous we become, we will all die someday. Instead of celebrating the differences among people, a better approach is to concentrate on minimizing those differences. When you care deeply about something, the motivation to learn about it will follow. Those who choose reason over emotion are criticized for acting too cerebral or wanting to discuss unsettled questions.

How to help grandchildren (or other young people) develop an enthusiasm for learning and thirst for knowledge? People who are not learners cannot inspire others to be what they are not. Children will easily see through such pretension. Through your actions, convince your grandchildren that America’s greatest treasures are found in libraries, not shopping malls. Help them to recognize the senselessness of confusing their identity with brand-name products. Help them to understand that the greatest defense against peer pressure is often found in the courage to be different. Help them to be wary of groups and organizations that discourage questions.

This a very interesting and eye-opening book. While it may be intended for people in their second half-century of life, it is very much recommended for people who have not yet reached that age. It is never too early to start thinking of the things mentioned here. Well worth reading.

[Betty Auchard]

Charles Hayes is a national treasure for mature adults, urging them to never stop learning. He's a true scholar who states that becoming mature is a rapturous experience. I was thrilled when he read my second book, The Home for the Friendless, and wrote a thoughtful endorsement for it. He makes me proud and happy to be over 80-years old.

[Michael Greening · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shared with my mother late in her life, and will always hold this book dear.