You’re Old Longer Than You’re Young — An African Folktale on Wisdom and Resilience
You’re Old Longer Than You’re Young — An African Folktale on Wisdom and Resilience
Lesson: Age may shape the road you walk, but it does not define your strength. This timeless African folktale reminds us that endurance and wisdom grow deeper with every passing year.
Meet Bumasa, the Village Storyteller
Long ago, in a quiet savannah village in Kenya, there lived a wise elder named Bumasa. Known for his knowledge and spellbinding tales, people from near and far came to sit at his fireside and learn from his words.
The Clever Plan of Aisamu the Tortoise
One evening, Bumasa told a story about Aisamu, a clever tortoise with a mischievous plan. Aisamu gathered all the animals for a race. But there was a twist — the older the animal, the longer the distance it had to run.
The young gazelles and antelopes cheered, excited for an easy victory. The older animals, including a calm, wise elephant, quietly prepared for the long journey ahead.
The Race Begins
At the start, the younger animals sped off, finishing their short path quickly and celebrating. The elders trudged along a much longer route, steady but determined. Hours later, the oldest among them — the elephant — finally reached the finish line, tired but smiling.
The Elephant’s Wisdom
Aisamu asked, “Why do you smile, wise elephant?”
The elephant replied, “Young tortoise, your race has taught us something deep. Though our path was longer and harder, we discovered the beauty of endurance and the strength that lives within us, no matter our age. Youth runs fast, but age teaches resilience.”
Related African Wisdom
“Unity is strength, division is weakness.” — African Proverb
Just as the animals learned together, strength grows when we value both youthful energy and the wisdom of our elders.
