Virtues of Old

We live in a society that often times equates newer with better.  Oh how often times our society gets it wrong!

For example, I'd trade my relatively new rifle scabbard for this antique gun bag any day of the week.  The same goes for that well worn axe in the below picture compared to about any axe you'll find today at places like Home Depot, Lowe's or Spanky's Tool Emporium.

Although that Ol' axe handle appears to be close to worn out, the axe head is likely made of high carbon steel and shaped at the hand of a long ago blade smith.  No doubt it's been used a boatload.  Judging by how much use it would have taken to get in that condition, I'm guessing it showed up around the same time Granddad did; circa early 1900's.

When it comes to age-based valuation, much of our society devalues a person's worth at the same approximate rate as our age increases.  Further evidence of how far our people group has to go in the category of "Age/Value Ratio", especially when compared to many other cultures around the globe.

On average, wisdom, knowledge and experience increases with age.  If you buy that than it makes sense that older folks, like older tools and equipment, still have a lot to offer.

Judging by the number of country songs on this subject, youngsters have, for generations, had a false sense that they've got most stuff figured out.  Although this is not a new phenomenon, it's an  American-condition that may be getting worse, not better.  Which brings to mind the adage, "The problem with youth is it's wasted on the young".  

Dang, I'm starting to sound like Andy Rooney (not that there was anything wrong with Andy Rooney; he was a fine and talented guy!).  I'll take that as a compliment, even though it came from me...which is weird.  Probably a good time to sign off for today.

Thanks for tuning in and regarding age- and axe-related issues, I'll try to keep you posted.

NOTE:  I snapped these pics of an old buckboard wagon at an antique tractor museum in Branson, Missouri.  If you haven't been to Branson lately you should make plans to "git on down ner" as soon as possible: There's a lot to see.