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If you could go back to being your younger self (in your twenties or thirties), would you do it? For me, it's a resounding "NO!" I never thought this would be the case, but I'm happiest and most content now that I'm in my seventies. The reasons: my work life was super stressful, so I'm pleased that retirement lifted that weight. In my youth, I was overly concerned with my appearance (and, quite shamefully, that of others). That need, with growing maturity and frankness (I mean, at some point, who the hell are you fooling?), has abated. Then there's the issue of having finally developed the cojones to jettison toxic people from my life. The few friends I have left are rational, supportive and have led self-examined lives. And, finally, I no longer strive to be anything or anyone but who I truly am. Most notably, there are no more apologies for my being a homebody who is content to pursue my numerous solitary interests in the refuge of my home. I used to feel such pressure to be a social person, but now I socialize strictly on my terms. The knowledge that I'll never have to attend another goddamned wedding makes me smile!

RobLawrence 7 Aug 29
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30 comments

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7

I feel my current state of knowledge combined with my 20-something body and face would be an unfair advantage. I'd not feel right about that. I'd be a fox among the chickens.

Excellent response.

4

If I could go back in time and re-live life, correcting all my mistakes, I would do it. I would NOT like to be young again in today's world, and be forced to endure an additional 4 or 5 decades witnessing the continual degradation of humanity and the biosphere.

4

If I could take my ancient brain with me, I might consider it. But if I have to give that up as part of the deal, no way!!

3

I like not being suicidal so my answer would be a definite NO.

3

Me too just turned 70 and everything is packing up; wrists are weakening back is aching I have dry eyes and need a hip replacement but wouldn't go back to twenty for all the Coffee in Brazil. I have never been bothered about how I look (mostly like a tramp) Worn make up twice when I was forced to for other peoples weddings- And yes the freedom part, even though I was always 'that strange girl' and later 'that strange woman' I'd hate to do it again. I enjoyed a varied life and still have a bit to go and that is satisfying enough - My father used to say "enough is a feast" and I agree with him.

3

Yes I would!!! Lol....I love the added wisdom and experience etc..however given the chance...I would gladly return to my 20's or 30's

A time when there were no aches or pains...and nothing I couldn't do...no illness..no lack of energy or stamina...I am happy as I am..but I would be lying if I said I wouldn't cease the opportunity to jump into that time machine...?

3

Absolutely. With the wisdom and maturity I have now, it’d be much different.

And even if I didn’t get to take my old brain with me, then still yes.

3

I would not change much but there are things I would do again for sure ?

2

Only if I can take with me the knowledge I have today about life, other wise, no I am happy where I am at!

Mart Level 4 Aug 29, 2018
2

If a time vortex did exist and this time line would continue as it is and unbroken, then maybe, before I met my now ex wife and had my Great kids knowing they would still exist in another reality. If not, then no I would not try to change anything and accept the path I have chosen.

2

Since I can't, I wouldn't even consider it.

2

I'm with you on this one Rob. I had my shot, and I don't miss the work-for-a-living part either. I wouldn't want to raise my kids again, or get the divorce again, or have shitty bosses again, or any one of a dozen things that I am glad to be over and done with. I am living how I want to live now, and that's quite satisfying. Have to concentrate on keeping healthy, that's the prime directive now.

2

Knowing what I know now? Heck yeah. Where do I sign up?

2

That depends, can I take the lottery winning numbers with me?

2

I'd just end up back a week

1

If I could go back knowing and understanding what I now know and understand, as well as somehow remembering everything I knew from back then and have since forgotten -- THEN I might consider it. But I wonder what I would then have in common with others my age, if I were this covert 61 year old in a 16 year old body or something along those lines?

This may actually be a practical question in the future, if everyone gets the magic pill that makes you not age. If you are 20 and everyone you might have a relationship with looks 20 but might be 250 years old for all you know ... how would one deal with that knowledge? Could a 250 year old even sustainably pretend to act like a 20 year old? How would it change people to be in absolutely no hurry whatsoever to marry or anything else? It's an interesting mind-game I play with myself sometimes. I suppose there's a novel in there somewhere if I had the creativity and discipline to do the necessary world-building.

1

I’m with ypu

1

I had lots of fun in my 20s. Yes.

1

I would go back to my early twenties so i could listen to the doctor and stay healthy instead of taking the path i did

1

If I could go back and do a few things differently, I certainly would.

1

It has its pros and cons but definitely something to think about.

1

No .

1

Depends remember what I have learned and experienced? Then yes. If no then no. I would go back to before I got sick and not do whatever caused me to get sick. If it was something I done that made me sick. If not then at least after recovering I would go to college has my sickness was what stopped me.

1

If I could retain all of the knowledge and experience of events, I’d be satisfied to start over from January 1 of 2015. I’d change the world.

1

I would definitely take a do over on my 20s if you mean I get to keep my current knowledge/skills and go back knowing what I know now. If I have to give up all memory of what I’ve struggled through in the last 11 years and go through it all again, then no thanks.

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