Nothing new under the Sun

Have you ever had an older person complain about how you dress? Or perhaps, complain about the music these days, the length of your hair and the general attitude of the youth today?

Even if they haven't complained about you, chances are good you've at least heard these complaints before.

Here's a quote about the current youth:

“They have trouble making decisions. They would rather hike in the Himalayas than climb a corporate ladder. They have few heroes, no anthems, no style to call their own. They crave entertainment, but their attention span is as short as one zap of a TV dial.”

Here's a comment from the 1990's:

“What really distinguishes this generation from those before it is that it’s the first generation in American history to live so well and complain so bitterly about it.”

And the 1980's:

“A few [35-year-old friends] just now are leaving their parents’ nest. Many friends are getting married or having a baby for the first time. They aren’t switching occupations, because they have finally landed a ‘meaningful’ career – perhaps after a decade of hopscotching jobs in search of an identity. They’re doing the kinds of things our society used to expect from 25-year-olds.”

How about this:

“We defy anyone who goes about with his eyes open to deny that there is, as never before, an attitude on the part of young folk which is best described as grossly thoughtless, rude, and utterly selfish.”

That one is from the 1920's. Almost a hundred years ago but it could have been said today. How about this one:

“[Young people] are high-minded because they have not yet been humbled by life, nor have they experienced the force of circumstances.
…
They think they know everything, and are always quite sure about it.”

Sounds familiar, doesn't it? Well, the quote is from Aristotle, and he said it about 2500 years ago. That's right, know-it-all kids are as old as recorded history and probably a lot older.

“Youth were never more saucie, yea never more savagely saucie . . . the ancient are scorned, the honourable are contemned, the magistrate is not dreaded.”

The above quote is from 1624, and apart from the actual language, it might as well be a criticism of a modern rap album.

In a sense this is nothing new, but I find it somewhat comforting. Being in my early 40's now, I have caught myself sighing at modern pop music and wonder why they can't just make good music anymore. In other words, it's what I'm supposed to think, it's natural for me to be horrified at young men carrying backpacks while wearing suits, and so on.

The Earth keeps turning and the more things change, the more it stays the same.

If you want to read a few more complaints about the “damn kids”, here's the link:

https://historyhustle.com/2500-years-of-people-complaining-about-the-younger-generation/

And with that, I'm done for this time. Join me again next Monday and until then, complain away, safe in the knowledge you are in the same company as Aristotle. Until next time, have a great week!