The Free Press
The Iran War: Our Complete Coverage
NewslettersSign InSubscribe
Ancient Wisdom
How to find late-life romance. How to deal with fading looks. How to know when to pack it in at work. If you're lucky, you're going to get old. What's the best way to do it? Our most seasoned writers offer their advice.
Latest
Top
Ancient Wisdom: Being an Artist Under a Dictatorship
Despite the censors, creativity ran wild. My circle of Brazilian friends were all writing songs, plays, poems. We took what freedoms we could, seeking…
Joyce Moreno
Ancient Wisdom: The Stories Bubbe Told
My grandmother hated Russia and loved America. ‘Los Angeles is mine!’ she would announce, gesturing around her small duplex. That apartment represented…
Sarah Flick
Ancient Wisdom: You Should Know Your Family’s Stories
At 4, I didn’t know enough to ask my grandfather questions about his past. But he played catch with me, tossing a baseball gently and with patience. And…
John D. Spooner
My Wife Accepted Her Death. Why Can’t I?
I do the things they tell you to do to mitigate grief. It helps, but it doesn’t erase the loss of a connection that had been transformed over time from…
Michael Friedman
Ancient Wisdom: Why I’m Dancing at 80
Dancing the cha-cha is the best later-life decision I’ve ever made.
Susie Kaufman
Ancient Wisdom: I’m an Old Man with an Old Mom
Even at my advanced age, I fear my mother’s disapproval over something small-minded or unkind that I’ve done—because rarely has she done such things…
David Margolick
Ancient Wisdom: Retire Like a Libertarian
A group of friends, work I care about, my belief in free markets—and beach volleyball—all help me deal with aging.
John Stossel
Ancient Wisdom: I Want to Die with a Book in My Hands
We read differently in old age. After a lifetime of living, we have a different perspective on the things we read, often holding authors to a higher…
Joseph Epstein
Ancient Wisdom: Getting Christmas Right, At Last
I got my kids too many presents—until I realized, less is more.
Joe Nocera
Ancient Wisdom: Make a Plan, and Stick to It
In old age, you’re freed from old responsibilities. A new routine helps give meaning to the days.
Jay Neugeboren
Ancient Wisdom: Me, My Kids, and Rock ‘n’ Roll
Having your son or daughter as your rock ‘n’ roll buddy is a wondrous thing. The music we have heard and the memories we have created—like rock ‘n…
Larry Gondelman
Ancient Wisdom: Warren Buffett at 95
Greatness does not come about through accumulating vast amounts of money. When you help someone in any of thousands of ways, you help the world…
Warren Buffett
For Free People.
LatestSearchAboutCareersShopPodcastsVideoEvents
©2026 The Free Press. All Rights Reserved.Powered by Substack.
Privacy∙Terms∙Collection notice