Daak Weekly: The Pursuit of Youth
A newish trend that capitalises on humanity’s fear of the ultimate uncertainty — death — is “biohacking,” a rigorous lifestyle that apparently reverses aging and prolongs life. While it may bring genuine benefits to our health and cognitive functioning, at best, it can only delay the one certainty of the human condition, which is that we are brittle and perishable. And that we will die. This is why aging evokes so much anxiety and guides much of our decision-making. However, looking young and feeling young are two entirely different things, the latter probably more essential than the former.
Or so says Khushal Khan Khattak, an Afghan warrior-poet from the 17th century. Often called the “National Poet of Afghanistan,” his oeuvre spans across genres — from nationalist poetry to the praise of Afghan tribes, a manual on falconry, travelogues, and books on medicine. From among these, the most interesting are his musings on age and youth. These ponderings on youth and age — two things that, according to him, should not be confused with each other, offer valuable lessons. His own “golden summer,” even in old age, is a reminder to live fully and enjoy the gifts of every stage while maintaining youthfulness within.
Another cautionary tale is a short story, “The Need for Sympathy,” by Illindala Saraswati Devi (1918–1998), a Telugu writer and social worker, who wrote about this particular issue long before it began dominating our media channels. In her story, she narrates the experiences of a woman, Bangaramma, who struggles to reconcile the loss of her youth and the newly bestowed status of a grandmother. The constant praise and comments on her beauty and youthfulness both please and unsettle her, leading to a strange disconnection with her physical and relational reality. Even at her daughter’s home, while she fulfils her maternal duties, she continues to feel disconnected from her family, leaving suddenly on a note of ambiguity.
This obsessive attachment to looking young can only generate insecurity and anxiety. Instead, as these writers warn, it is better to focus on true joy and fulfilment. If you’re looking for inspiration, watch this heartwarming song, Hoppípolla, by Icelandic band, Sigur Rós.
With love,
Team Daak
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