The third aspect of duty is towards those advanced in years. To have sympathy for them, to have respect for their age, for the experience they have gained; even if they have not that qualification or learning which we have, it does not matter. Perhaps they know something more which we do not know. We cannot learn all things; we cannot know all things. There are things that experience teaches; there are things that age brings to them. If in a person, however intelligent and capable, that sentiment for age, that respect for his elder brother, that consideration for those who are advanced in years, his mother, father, brother or sister, teacher or friend, has not yet been born, he has not yet known religion. For in this is the foundation of religion.

It is said that a child of the Prophet one day called a slave by his name and the Prophet heard it. The first thing he said was, "My child, call him Uncle; he is advanced in age."

Besides, there is a psychological action and reaction; those who have reached the ripened condition of life have arrived at a stage when their goodwill for the younger ones comes as a treasure, a living treasure. Sometimes the intoxication of life, one's absorption in worldly activities, that ever-growing energy which one experiences in youth, one's power and position and knowledge and capability, make one overlook this. But if an opportunity is lost, it is lost; it will never come again. We are all in this world travellers, and those near to us or those whom we see, they are the ones we meet on our journey. And therefore it is an opportunity of thinking of our duty towards them. Neither shall we be with them always, nor will they be with us. Life is a dream in which we are thrown, a dream which is ever-changing. Therefore an opportunity lost of considering our little obligations in our everyday life which form part of our duty, is like forgetting our religion.