History repeats itself

[Chima Azuka]

Why does every generation think the next generation is worse?

Our grandparents said their children had no discipline.

Our parents said our generation has no respect.

Now our generation is already saying, “These children of today are finished.”

But if every generation says the next one is the worst…

Who raised them?

Every generation complains that the world is changing, yet every generation is the one changing it.

Maybe the problem isn’t that young people are getting worse.

Maybe technology changes faster than values.

Maybe what one generation calls “confidence,” another calls “disrespect.”

What one generation calls “freedom,” another calls “rebellion.”

What one generation calls “tradition,” another calls “being left behind.”

The truth is, every generation has strengths and weaknesses.

The older generation had resilience because life demanded it.

The younger generation has access to knowledge because the internet made it possible.

Neither is perfect.

Yet we spend more time insulting each other than learning from each other.

Instead of saying, “Back in my day…”

Maybe ask, “What can my generation teach yours, and what can yours teach mine?”

Because one day, today’s youth will become tomorrow’s elders.

And if history repeats itself, they’ll probably be saying the exact same thing.

SARAH DANIEL

 

[Fatimo Azeez]

Thank you for sharing this thoughtful message. I agree that every generation has strengths and weaknesses, and we should learn from one another rather than constantly criticise each other.

However, I don't think it is entirely correct to suggest that the older generation is responsible for the failures of the younger simply because they raised them. Children are influenced not only by parents but also by peers, schools, social media, culture, government, economic realities, and, importantly, their own personal choices.

Good parenting increases the likelihood of positive outcomes, but it does not guarantee them. Likewise, some people from difficult backgrounds grow into responsible adults because they choose the right path.

As humans, we should recognise that every generation has a duty to model good values, while also encouraging personal responsibility. Instead of assigning blame, let us work together to build a generation that is morally sound, knowledgeable, and compassionate.