"The older I grow the more I distrust the familiar doctrine that age brings wisdom"

H.L. Mencken's quote suggests that as he has grown older, he has become significantly hesitant of the idea that age instantly brings knowledge. This could be translated as a criticism of the idea that older people are automatically smarter than more youthful people, or that wisdom is something that can be acquired just by growing older. It could also be interpreted as a reflection on the idea that knowledge is something that is gotten through experience, and that age alone does not ensure wisdom. Mencken's quote could also be translated as a suggestion that wisdom is something that is earned through hard work and commitment, which age alone does not guarantee it. Eventually, Mencken's quote serves as a pointer that knowledge is something that is earned, not something that is simply gotten with age.