Though I agree that there's a lot of value in what more experienced people have to say and that people my age should seek out knowledge from you, there are a couple things that are also important to remember.<p>Many of us "20-year-old whizzes" don't do what you describe at all.  In fact, as a Systems programmer, it's not incredibly likely that you know 'better than me' what the implications of what you're doing are at an Operating System level.  I know 20-year-olds who have contributed source to Linux, Chrome, Firefox, and a number of other Open Source projects.  Folks who have worked in industry for 2-4 summers in a row already.  20-year-olds who have gone to Silicon Valley and done the startup thing.  (I can go on with this BS forever)<p>But all that 20-year-old ego stuff aside, it's also important to remember that this is a field that is routinely <i>dominated</i> by disruptive thoughts, ideas, and personalities.  All of your experience becomes a hindrance when you start to follow your old steps to the "right solution" every time.  For that reason, it's also important that you look to the "20-something whizzes" for insights and ideas that may surprise you and that you actually consider what they say.