Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

old man 76

(228 posts)
Wed May 29, 2013, 06:43 AM May 2013

An old man's message for the young

It is spring and young people are graduating from high school and college. I have grandchildren who have reached this point in their lives. They all have hopes and expectation as well as views on what the world they live in should be like. When asked what I think, this is my response. I was born before computers, internet, cell phones and even television where I lived. My world was very different then the world we have now. Statistically I have only a few years left and you have a life time. The next generation will shape this country not old people like me. The only advice I have is remember your physics, every action has a reaction and an ancient philosopher said for every decision there is a consequence. Your actions and decisions will make the world you must live in. Look past what will benefit you today or what is trendy now and weigh the reaction and consequences be they socially, economically or environmentally because you are shaping the world you spend your life in. That all this old man can offer. Good luck.

17 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
An old man's message for the young (Original Post) old man 76 May 2013 OP
Excellent words, sir. Excellent words Roland99 May 2013 #1
Second that Demeter May 2013 #2
good advice! SHRED May 2013 #3
The seventh generation PADemD May 2013 #4
Another old man shares your thoughts randr May 2013 #5
My message to the youth, never be conservative always vote Democratic. xtraxritical May 2013 #11
Right you are...and welcome to DU. zeemike May 2013 #6
And the equivalency of an 8th grade education. DhhD May 2013 #8
DITTO, DITTO bleedinglib May 2013 #7
Respect! You are "old" but You are more than old-->You are wise and kind for sharing & more yet.. hue May 2013 #9
"Remember your physics". How sage. toby jo May 2013 #10
Another old man's message to the young: sulphurdunn May 2013 #12
the golden rule: LittleGirl May 2013 #13
alas Skittles May 2013 #14
I say... nikto May 2013 #16
Destroy CONservatism and... nikto May 2013 #15
Thank you lovemydog May 2013 #17

Roland99

(53,345 posts)
1. Excellent words, sir. Excellent words
Wed May 29, 2013, 07:24 AM
May 2013

I have a daughter who's graduating this evening. These words really strike a chord.

PADemD

(4,482 posts)
4. The seventh generation
Wed May 29, 2013, 08:01 AM
May 2013

"In every deliberation, we must consider the impact on the seventh generation... even if it requires having skin as thick as the bark of a pine."

The Constitution of the Iroquois Nations: The Great Binding Law.

"In all of your deliberations in the Confederate Council, in your efforts at law making, in all your official acts, self-interest shall be cast into oblivion. Cast not over your shoulder behind you the warnings of the nephews and nieces should they chide you for any error or wrong you may do, but return to the way of the Great Law which is just and right. Look and listen for the welfare of the whole people and have always in view not only the present but also the coming generations, even those whose faces are yet beneath the surface of the ground – the unborn of the future Nation."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_generation_sustainability

randr

(12,475 posts)
5. Another old man shares your thoughts
Wed May 29, 2013, 08:01 AM
May 2013

It occurred to me recently that the world we are in today is the result of decisions made 30 to 40 years ago. The actions of the Reagan administration are just now biting us in the ass.

 

xtraxritical

(3,576 posts)
11. My message to the youth, never be conservative always vote Democratic.
Wed May 29, 2013, 09:42 AM
May 2013

Do not, as conservatives do, shackle yourselves to the past always look ahead and move forward.

zeemike

(18,998 posts)
6. Right you are...and welcome to DU.
Wed May 29, 2013, 08:20 AM
May 2013

I keep looking back at the world I grew up in, and while I see lots of things that have improved, I also see where we have lost much that was valuable too.

But the future is in the hands of the young...and I wish them good luck, because we are leaving them a tough world to live in.

 

sulphurdunn

(6,891 posts)
12. Another old man's message to the young:
Wed May 29, 2013, 04:19 PM
May 2013

Life is struggle. Rights are asserted, never granted. Power concedes nothing without a fight. Always, question authority. Defy injustice. And know this: The good guys lose most of the battles, then win the war. In time they become the bad guys, but you can't do anything about that. Your children can.

Skittles

(158,410 posts)
14. alas
Wed May 29, 2013, 07:07 PM
May 2013

I would not want to be treated the way republicans want me treated - same goes for most religions

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Maine»An old man's message for ...