Gertrude Stein: 'One does not get better but different and older and that is always a pleasure.'

One does not get better but different and older and that is always a pleasure.

In her famous quote, Gertrude Stein presents a profound and insightful perspective on personal growth and the passage of time. Succinctly put, she asserts that as individuals, we do not necessarily "get better" with age but rather become "different and older." However, she adds a poignant twist by emphasizing that this transformation is always a pleasure. Stein's quote holds significant meaning as it challenges the conventional notion of improvement or progress and celebrates the beauty of embracing change. Now, let us explore an unexpected philosophical concept, existentialism, to augment our understanding of Stein's quote and delve deeper into the complexities of personal development.Existentialism, a philosophical school of thought popularized in the 20th century, centers around themes of individualism, choice, and the inherent meaninglessness of life. Existentialists often grapple with questions of personal growth and the search for purpose. Pondering the concept of becoming "different and older," we can discern an existentialist undercurrent that resonates with Stein's sentiment. Through the existential lens, personal development can be considered a subjective journey, where the focus shifts from societal expectations of "getting better" to the freedom of self-discovery.While traditional notions of improvement imply linear progress, existentialism highlights the uniqueness of each individual's path and the joy derived from embracing one's evolution despite its divergence from cultural standards. This perspective encourages authenticity, the pursuit of personal happiness, and the fulfillment that comes from accepting change as an integral part of life's journey.Comparing these two concepts, we find that Stein's emphasis on pleasure aligns well with the existentialist perspective. Both emphasize the significance of personal experience and subjective satisfaction over external benchmarks of improvement. By urging us to embrace aging and change with pleasure, Stein invites us to appreciate the process of becoming, rather than fixating solely on societal notions of "betterment." She thereby challenges the traditional view of aging as a decline and presents it as an opportunity for exploration and self-expression.Furthermore, Stein's affirmation of pleasure in the face of change touches on the existentialist idea of embracing life's uncertainty and finding joy in self-determined existence. The existentialist belief in personal agency is echoed by Stein's assertion that we take pleasure in becoming "different." This perspective enables us to view every phase of life as an opportunity rather than a limitation.In conclusion, Gertrude Stein's quote, "One does not get better but different and older and that is always a pleasure," encapsulates a profound shift in our understanding of personal growth and the passage of time. By challenging the notion of improvement and celebrating the pleasures of change, Stein presents a refreshing perspective that resonates with existentialist thought. Through the existential lens, we can perceive personal development as a subjective journey that emphasizes self-discovery and authenticity. By embracing the joy inherent in becoming "different and older," we empower ourselves to find happiness and meaning on our unique paths of self-expression. Therefore, let us embrace Stein's wisdom and relish the pleasures that accompany our journey of transformation.