An old man's message for the young

[old man 76]

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.

[Roland99]

1. Excellent words, sir. Excellent words

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

[Demeter]

2. Second that

and add: don't let the bastards get you down!

[SHRED]

3. good advice!

[PADemD]

4. The seventh generation

"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]

5. Another old man shares your thoughts

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]

11. My message to the youth, never be conservative always vote Democratic.

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

[zeemike]

6. Right you are...and welcome to DU.

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.

[DhhD]

8. And the equivalency of an 8th grade education.

[bleedinglib]

7. DITTO, DITTO

The only thing he left out was "don't vote republican"

[hue]

9. Respect! You are "old" but You are more than old-->You are wise and kind for sharing & more yet..

[toby jo]

10. "Remember your physics". How sage.

Thank-you, sir.

[sulphurdunn]

12. Another old man's message to the young:

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.

[LittleGirl]

13. the golden rule:

Treat others like you want to be treated.

be nice to people.

[Skittles]

14. alas

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

[nikto]

16. I say...

Treat CONservatives the way they would treat you.




Truth can be so cruel.

[nikto]

15. Destroy CONservatism and...

Re-establish America as a place of Progressivism and FREEDOM.

[lovemydog]

17. Thank you

for the excellent advice. Keep giving it. Many like me listen and take it to heart.