Conversing with different people of different ages and cultures, I have come to identify some of the elements and stages of the human evolution of thoughts. For this analysis I have presumed the age breaks based on those I spoke to. However, in many cases people can evolve earlier or later based on their own personal experiences. The elements have been broken down into seven categories. Of course this analysis doesn’t address every element, just the seven that were chosen for this experiment.

      Categories:

1- Learning

2- Goals

3- Respect

4- Self

5- Relationship Expectations

6- Patience

7- Communication

Ages 0-18

1- The brain is a sponge

2- Cant wait to be an adult, drive a car, finish school and start to work

3- Parents don’t know anything

4- Don’t know who you are, adapting to others likes to fit in

5- Dreaming of the fairytale with an image of your perfect mate

6- Wanting independence

7- Words have a meaning, although used loosely

Ages 18-40

1- Completion of learning and getting the career off the ground, you know it all

2- Marry and start a family

3- You admit mom was right

4- Seeking approval and pleasing others, materialism sets in

5- Disappointed that the perfect person doesn’t exist

6- Racing to get to the destination

7- Conversation is superficial

Ages 40-65

1- You realize you never stop learning

2- Financial Stability: college tuitions for children and preparation for retirement

3- Wishing you knew then, what you know now

4- Spiritual enlightenment and self identification, others opinions no longer matter

5- The fairytale fades, reality sets in. Expectations adjust. Love is in the soul not the eye

6- Enjoying the journey. Taking things slower, no longer a race to the destination

7- Life is meaningless without soulful and intelligent communication

Ages 65-90

1- Enjoy learning different hobbies and interests, things you enjoy

2- Wanting to see the sunrise and the sunset, wishing you can stop the clock

3- Looking back on the day that you could call your parents for advice or just a non-judgmental ear

4- Grateful for each day and every moment, missing the days of independence free of medicines and doctor appointments

5- Thankful for those who took part in your journey and those that left a lasting imprint on your heart 

6- Spend time with younger people and feed off their energy, as those you’ve known your whole life begin to pass

7- Giving all of your time to share your wisdom and your legacy