Three Generatons

The Sun, Lowell MA

A friend sent an article with the following conversation. I thought it was not only interesting but soul-searching, for all generations:

A very self-important college freshman attending a recent football game took it upon himself to explain to a senior citizen sitting next to him why it was impossible for the older generation to understand his generation.

"You grew up in a different world, actually an almost primitive one," the student said, loud enough for many of those nearby to hear. "The young people of today are much more advanced than people your age. We grew up with television, jet planes, space travel, man walking on the moon and the Internet. We have cell phones, nuclear energy, electric and hydrogen cars, computers, automated manufacturing, amazing technologies, and," . . . pausing to take another drink of beer . .

The senior took advantage of the break in the student's litany and said, "You're right, son. We didn't have those things when we were young. . . So we invented them. Now, what are YOU doing for the next generation?"

Yes, there is a gap between generations as well as a bonding. I am not sure how I would respond if one of my grandchildren put me on the spot like this one did. And what about you (if you are a grandparent)? I

It certainly is true that this current generation both enjoys and endures their culture just as we did. And I think all three generations will wonder what our society and culture will be like three generations ahead. Will it be as dramatic a difference or more similar? Will there be be more brilliant inventions or refinements of existing ones? Will there be a Western Civilization in three more generations, multiple Civilizations or only one?

Since we cannot predict the future with precision, what we can do is hope that future generations will learn from the best of the past, not the worst. We can also hope and pray that the future generations will use their skill, education, technology and morality for enriching their culture; not feeling themselves as being much more advanced than previous generations. Especially, lets say, of our Founding Fathers who believed in God, honored Him indelibly with visible ornamentation such as statues, inscriptions, monuments, cathedrals and sacred writings in public places. Then future generations can also ask: What are you doing for the next generation?