It’s funny how often you hear that our youth are headed down a dark road. We often hear things like:
- They have no morals
- They’re lazy and have a sense of entitlement
- They’re disrespectful to adults
- They dress immodestly
- They’re angry and watch too many violent shows and play too many violent video games
At school, the teacher handed out an interesting sheet. It really helps put things into perspective. Here’s a few of the things listed on the sheet.
“When I was young, we were taught to be discreet and respectful of elders, but the present youth are exceedingly disrespectful and impatient of restraint” – Hesiod, 8th century BC
“What is happening to our young people? They disrespect their elders, they disobey their parents. They ignore the law. They riot in the streets inflamed with wild notions. Their morals are decaying. What is to become of them?” – Plato, 4th century BC
“The young people of today think of nothing but themselves. They have no reverence for parents or old age. They are impatient of all restraint. As for the girls, they are forward, immodest and unladylike in speech, behavior and dress.” – Attributed to Peter the Hermit, AD 1274
“We live in a decaying age. Young people no longer respect their parents. They are rude and impatient. They frequently inhabit taverns and have no self control.” –Inscription, 6000 year old Egyptian tomb
“Juvenile delinquency has increased at an alarming rate and is eating at the heart of America.” – US juvenile court judge, 1946
It seems that every generation seems to think the previous generation is going to hell in a hand basket.
Let’s give it a break. This isn’t something new. Politicians and organizations like to exploit this type of thinking, but in reality, it isn't true.
So the next time you think our youth are doing poorly, think about this article and how every generation seems to think the same thing.
It really does put things into perspective, doesn't it?