Hello, Monsters! Are you facing criticism from older generations at work or at home? It seems like every generation has experienced this. Whether it’s the way we dress, the music we listen to, or the technologies we embrace, the youth have always been a target for those who came before them. I was very surprised to learn that this age-old debate isn’t just a modern phenomenon—it’s a thread that runs deep through history, even back to the times of ancient philosophers.

Ancient Wisdom: Youth Criticism Through the Ages

Socrates, one of the most influential figures in Western philosophy, famously remarked, “The children now love luxury; they have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise.” Sounds familiar, right? It’s almost as if Socrates was talking about today’s teenagers, glued to their phones and obsessed with social media.

Aristotle, another giant of ancient philosophy, observed, “The young are permanently in a state resembling intoxication, for youth is sweet and they are growing.” Here, Aristotle touches on the impulsiveness and passion of youth—a characteristic often seen as a flaw by older generations, who prioritize caution and wisdom gained through experience.

Even in ancient Rome, the poet Horace lamented, “Our sires’ age was worse than our grandsires’. We, their sons, are more worthless than they: so in our turn we shall give the world a progeny yet more corrupt.” This sentiment echoes the common refrain heard in family gatherings everywhere: “Things were better in the good old days.”

From Rebels to Conservatives: The Evolution of Generations

But here’s something we often forget: the Baby Boomers, now often seen as conservative and set in their ways, were once the young rebels themselves. They were the ones kicking off the civil rights movement, driving political and social activism, and challenging the norms of their time. From protesting the Vietnam War to leading the charge for gender equality, Boomers were anything but complacent in their youth.

Generation X, too, had its time as the rebellious youth. They witnessed the end of the Cold War, fought for important causes, and navigated the rise of digital technology. They were known for their skepticism of authority, their resourcefulness, and their desire for change—traits that often put them at odds with the older generations of their time.

And let’s not forget Millennials. As the first generation to grow up with the internet, they’ve driven their parents crazy with their reliance on technology, their demand for work-life balance, and their push for meaningful work. Just like the Boomers and Gen Xers before them, Millennials have been criticized for their ways, but they’ve also been at the forefront of social movements, driving conversations around sustainability, diversity, and mental health.

Now, Gen Z is stepping up, bringing their own perspectives, passions, and challenges to the table. And, just like every generation before them, they’re facing their share of criticism from the older generations. But here’s the thing: as we all grow older, we tend to become more conservative, more cautious, and more resistant to change. It’s a natural part of the aging process, influenced by the responsibilities and experiences we accumulate over time.

The Power of Intergenerational Collaboration

While the tension between generations is inevitable, it’s not insurmountable. In fact, it’s through the collaboration of these different perspectives that we can tackle the biggest challenges facing our world today—problems like climate change, poverty, and inequality that require both the wisdom of experience and the innovative spirit of youth.

Climate change, for example, is an issue that will affect future generations far more than the current one. Younger people are leading the charge with their passion for environmental sustainability, but they need the resources, influence, and knowledge that older generations possess to enact real change. Similarly, older generations, who might be more set in their ways, can benefit from the fresh ideas and technological savvy that younger generations bring to the table.

In the workplace, intergenerational collaboration can drive innovation and growth. The older generation’s experience can guide and mentor the younger workforce, while the younger generation can introduce new technologies and ideas that improve efficiency and open up new possibilities. This blend of old and new can create a powerful synergy, turning potential conflict into a rich source of creativity and problem-solving.

Moving Forward Together

The tension between the young and the old is as old as time itself, but it doesn’t have to be divisive. By recognizing the value in both perspectives, we can foster a collaborative spirit that not only bridges the generational gap but also harnesses it as a strength. Whether it’s in our families, our workplaces, or our broader society, the key to progress lies in our ability to work together, respecting the contributions of all generations.

As we face global challenges that will define the future of our planet and our society, it’s clear that we need every voice at the table. The wisdom of the elders, tempered by the boldness of the youth, is our best hope for creating a world that is more just, more sustainable, and more equitable for all. After all, solving the world’s most pressing problems is not just the responsibility of one generation—it’s the responsibility of us all, working together.

Until next time, Monsters!