Plato Would Not Retire: Why Passion Never Rests

Introduction: Rethinking Retirement—A Philosopher’s Challenge

Imagine telling Plato, the great Greek philosopher, that at 65, he should stop asking questions, stop seeking truth, and settle for a life of leisure. He would likely raise an eyebrow and ask: “Why?” For Plato, life was a journey of learning, growth, and purpose—a quest that never truly ends. Yet, the old myths about retirement persist: that 65 is old, that retirement means not working, that it’s only about money, that ease is the ultimate goal, and that you must retire to do what you love. Plato would challenge every one of these assumptions. He would urge us to see retirement not as an ending, but as a new chapter in the Hero’s Journey—a time when passion, curiosity, and contribution matter more than ever.

Plato’s Philosophy: Wisdom Never Rests

Plato, following Socrates, believed that wisdom comes from questioning everything—even the stories we tell ourselves about aging and retirement1. He saw old age not as decline, but as a time to share experience, pursue knowledge, and engage with the world in new ways. In his dialogues, Plato’s elders are not sidelined; they are respected for their insight and encouraged to remain active—mentally, socially, and creatively. Withdrawal from meaningful activity, Plato warns, is the surest path to decline and irrelevance3. True happiness, for Plato, is found not in idleness, but in the pursuit of virtue, purpose, and the good life.

The Old Myths—And Why Plato Would Disagree

Let’s examine the old myths about retirement through Plato’s lens:

65 is Old: Plato would scoff at the idea that wisdom has an expiration date. In fact, he believed true wisdom often arrives only after 50.
Retirement Means Not Working: For Plato, withdrawal from all activity is a recipe for decline. He saw ongoing engagement—intellectual, social, and creative—as essential for a flourishing life.
Retirement is Only a Money Issue: Plato knew that a life well-lived is measured not by wealth, but by meaning, virtue, and contribution.
A Life of Ease is the Ultimate Goal: Plato warned that endless leisure leads to boredom and dissatisfaction. True contentment, he argued, is the result of meaningful toil and ongoing growth.
You Have to Be Retired to Do What You Love: Plato would say: Why wait? The pursuit of what you love is a lifelong calling, not a reward at the finish line.

The Hero’s Journey: Plato’s Call to Passion

In the language of the Hero’s Journey, Plato’s view of retirement looks like this:

Ordinary World: You accept the old myths about retirement—counting down to 65, planning for endless leisure.
Call to Adventure: Something stirs—a longing for purpose, a question about what comes next.
Refusal of the Call: Doubts arise: “Am I too old? Is it too late?”
Meeting the Mentor: Plato’s wisdom (and the voice of your own curiosity) urges you to question the old story.
Crossing the Threshold: You step beyond the myths, seeking new meaning and passion.
Tests, Allies, Enemies: You face skepticism, inertia, and the lure of comfort—but also find new allies and opportunities.
Approach to the Inmost Cave: You confront your deepest fears about aging and relevance.
Ordeal: You risk trying something new, sharing your gifts, or pursuing a long-held dream.
Reward: You discover renewed purpose, connection, and joy.
The Road Back: You integrate your passions into daily life, inspiring others.
Resurrection: You realize that passion never retires—only stories do.
Return with the Elixir: You share your story, becoming a mentor for others on their journey.

Why Plato Would Champion “Passion Never Retires”

Plato would be the first to say: Passion is the engine of a meaningful life. Retirement, in the old sense, is just a story—one that’s ready for an update. When you pursue what you love, stay curious, and share your gifts, you embody the virtue and vitality Plato prized. The true philosopher never retires from asking, seeking, and contributing.

Conclusion: Write Your Own Legend

The old myths about retirement are fading. In their place is a new story—one where every chapter, at every age, is an opportunity for growth, joy, and contribution. Plato would urge you to step boldly into this story, to keep questioning, creating, and connecting. Passion never retires. Neither should you.

Questions for Your Hero’s Journey

Where in your life have you accepted old myths about aging or retirement?
What passions or dreams are calling you to a new adventure?
Who are your mentors and allies for this next chapter?
What “ordeal” are you willing to face to reclaim purpose and joy?
How will you share your wisdom and story with others?

Story Coaching Offer

Are you ready to challenge the old myths and write your own legend?
Join Peter de Kuster’s “Passion Never Retires” Story Coaching—a transformative journey to rediscover your purpose, reignite your passions, and create a life and work you love at any age.

Special Offer:

Full Story Coaching Session (2 hours): €195 (excl. btw)
Express Session (1 hour): €120 (excl. btw)
Contact: peter@wearesomeone.nl

You are the hero, the storyteller, and the legend in the making. The next chapter is yours to write.