Simone de Beauvoir was a French existentialist philosopher, writer, and feminist whose landmark book The Second Sex helped ignite modern feminism. She herself embodied it — whether in her critiques of patriarchy, her political engagement in postwar France, or her solidarity with global liberation movements. So, I guess it’s not surprising that she snuck in the word “indignation” in this inspired quote about aging.
Indignation often gets a bad rap, dismissed as self-righteous anger or unnecessary drama. But as we age, indignation can become a surprisingly valuable compass. It tells us where our moral boundaries lie, where our sense of justice still burns hot, and where we refuse to grow numb. Indignation is a sign that, despite the years, our hearts haven’t gone cold. In the light of day, indignation is just a form of unvarnished insight.
In midlife and beyond, indignation can shift from impulsive reaction to grounded discernment. When we’re younger, outrage may be fueled by ego or the need to prove ourselves. Later in life, indignation can feel cleaner, more rooted in wisdom: This isn’t right, and I won’t stand by quietly. It can catalyze action, advocacy, or simply a deeper alignment with our values.
Of course, indignation untethered can curdle into bitterness. But when paired with compassion, it becomes a spark that keeps us vital. It keeps us engaged with the world, unwilling to shrug off harm, injustice, or hypocrisy. At its best, indignation in later years is less about noise and more about clarity—an energy that reminds us we’re still here, still awake, and still capable of demanding better.
-Chip