four stages of life
fiction
edward w pritchard
Anyone who has studied in the least eventually realizes the wisdom of the traditions of India in ancient times and how their philosophies still stands the test of time. If one has read lots and thought things thru as he ages he will eventually begin to meditate on the four stages of life in the ancient tradition of India.
The first two stages in India's philosophy are pretty much universal; to be a student as a youth and then a householder, beginning about the age of 20. These are the basic duties of most people in the world regardless of the Country he is in. To study and learn a career, find a spouse, have children buy a nice home and be a proper citizen is what most people strive for.
For Americans now a days it is very difficult to move beyond the first two stages because of cultural pressure and greed to continue endlessly to acquire more and more material things, bigger houses with endless ecoutments and the fear that one cannot live forever without a large bank account or seven figure stock portfolio.
