As you get older, you want less from the world; you just want to experience it. Any barriers to feeling emotions get dismantled. And ordinary things become beautifully poetic.

In this quote, Richard Linklater, a renowned film director known for works like Boyhood, reflects on the evolving perspective that comes with aging. He suggests that as people get older, they shift their focus from seeking material things or achievements to simply experiencing the world around them. The desire for more possessions or accomplishments fades, replaced by a deeper appreciation for the present moment and the emotions that come with it. This shift indicates a greater sense of contentment and mindfulness that often accompanies age.

Linklater also highlights how, as one matures, the emotional walls or barriers that may have once protected them from feeling too much are gradually dismantled. With age, people tend to become more open to vulnerability and more in touch with their inner emotions. This openness allows for a richer, more intuitive experience of life, where emotions are felt more fully and freely, unburdened by the constraints that might have once been imposed by societal expectations or personal fears.

Furthermore, Linklater suggests that as life becomes simpler, ordinary things—like a casual conversation or a quiet moment—take on a more poetic quality. What might once have been overlooked or taken for granted becomes infused with beauty and significance. This idea reflects a deeper understanding of the world, where the small, everyday details are seen as rich and meaningful rather than mundane or trivial.

Ultimately, Linklater’s quote emphasizes that with age comes a shift from striving for more to embracing what is already present. The process of getting older allows people to experience life more deeply, without the need for constant achievement or material gain, leading to a more fulfilling and poetic existence.