İlber Ortaylı: 'A person who stays idle does not live very long'

Adapted from the book 'What to Do to Say You Have Lived' by Muazzez İlmiye Çığ and Büşra Sanay, the program 'What to Do to Say You Have Lived with Pınar Sabancı', where psychologist Pınar Sabancı moderates and brings the life experiences of Turkey's beloved figures to the stage, continues to be broadcast every Thursday on the Zorlu PSM YouTube channel.

Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı was the guest on Sabancı's program, which seeks answers to the question, 'Stages of Life: What Should Be Done at Which Period?'.

In response to Pınar Sabancı's question, "In the early stages of childhood, what should a child be occupied with, or what should they be doing from the parents' perspective?", Ortaylı replied, "It is very important for a child's future life that they are satisfied with certain things and see them. At the very least, they will be satisfied with toys. Of course, this does not mean an infinite, unlimited number of toys; they will enjoy them, they will get a taste of some things, but they will not go to extremes. Beyond their nutrition, they will receive affection and love."

'RETIREMENT DOES NOT MEAN STAGNATION'

In response to Pınar Sabancı's question, "The 50s are a phase where mature years begin. How should people evaluate this time?", İlber Ortaylı replied, "It is quite simple, you will not sit at home. I mean, you may have retired, but I recommend that you leave your house at 11:00 AM, even if not at 9:00 AM. You cannot just sit at home; there is no such thing.

Leaving the house at 9:00 AM or 8:00 AM used to tire you out a lot. Of course, do not do that anymore. Sit more comfortably, drink your coffee more leisurely, read your newspaper at home, but please go out. They will ask, 'Sir, what will I do on the street?', but today in Turkey, for example, there is a museum everywhere. There is now a library in every city and town, meaning there are different places to see; you can see these. Retirement does not mean stagnation."

'YOU MUST CONSTANTLY THINK'

In response to Pınar Sabancı's question, "Coming to the question I ask all my guests, what should one do to say they have lived?", İlber Ortaylı stated, "You should not stay idle. Along with your mistakes, you will also have your merits. You must constantly think and do something. In other words, a person who stays idle does not live very long."