When one thinks of the difference between an adult and a child, there are many things that may come to mind – physical, social, and all things in between. However, what does truly separate the two, besides the inevitable maturing of flesh and bone? Perhaps the most interesting contrast can be found, not between what they look like or how they speak, but with how they interpret the world around them. 

September 12th, 2023, I interviewed two of my family members to compare their answers to my questions. While the two are incredibly close and share similar values, they share a sixty-six-year age difference, one that could affect their outlook on life. 

The first interview I conducted was over text message with my grandpa, Frank Byrne. Hailing from Ireland, my grandfather immigrated to the States in the mid 1900s. His experience in our society is surely affected by the life he has spent outside the country, travelling or otherwise… 

Do you value material items or experiences more?  

Experiences more. They create memories that last a lifetime. 

What is the most important thing to you?  

Family and friends. Family and friends are there for me and create those important memories. 

What do you hope for in the future?  

Stay as healthy as I can, so I can continue to travel and enjoy going to new places. Add to those memories. 

Would you say you have a lot of life experience?  

For sure. Moved from Ireland to NY, changed cultures. Was in the U.S. army. Went to the Philippines to get our [adopted] children. Have been to Germany, Hungary, Austria, and many U.S. states. Now enjoying my grandchildren. 

Do you think other people’s opinions about you is important?  

Depends on the situation. As long as I stay true to myself and my values. 

Do you think you’re making a difference in the world? 

I hope my family and friends think so. My legacy is my children and my grandchildren. So… keep doing what you are doing. 

My grandfather’s answers focus on the future and past – he does not linger on the present as much because he values his life before and the legacy that he sees in front of him. Such a view is surely the result of a lifetime of seeing the world revolve and change throughout seven and a half decades. 

In contrast, my second interview was held with a much younger subject, whom I will be referring to as “Mimzy” for anonymity’s sake. She has recently turned nine and has been through the whirlwind of pre-elementary school experience.  

Do you value material items or experiences more?  

Doing things. It’s fun. 

What is the most important thing to you?  

Rudy and Uni [her stuffed animals] … And you, because you have to play

with me. 

What do you hope for in the future?  

To become a princess. No, actually, become rich and be a ballerina! 

Would you say you have a lot of life experience?  

Not really, cause’ I’m not so good at [knowing] what things are. I just don’t know wat some things are. 

Do you think what others think about you is important?  

No. None of [what they’re saying] is real. 

Do you think you’re making a difference in the world? 

Sure. Because I’m not like most girls. 

Mimzy’s answers differ greatly from our previous subject. She focuses on the present, with more simple and direct answers. However, her answers still show self-awareness, such as her views about her life experience.  

That seems to be the main difference between the two – what matters, the present or what lies before and after. Our younger interviewee is also much more focused on material objects, whilst our older subject has more to say about experience and our lasting impressions on the world around us.  

Both sets of answers let us understand their points of view, and seeing how similar and different they are can show us just how much the human mind changes throughout the years. Sixty-six years ago, would my grandfather have said something similar to Mimzy? In sixty-six years will she too have a much more abstract look on life? Only time can tell.