Lessons from the Older Generation: Teach and Show, Not Just Share Wisdom

Every older generation carries a wealth of wisdom and experience that they once shared with the youthful and eager minds of the next. However, the effectiveness of imparting this wisdom has evolved over time. As society progresses, the younger generation tends to dismiss the rules and criticisms offered by the older generation, favoring hands-on learning and personal experiences. This article explores the value of teaching and showing, rather than simply sharing wisdom, and highlights the importance of personal growth, responsibility, and life purpose.

Teach and Show, Not Just Share Wisdom

When you're young, wisdom often sounds like an overload of rules and criticisms that seem unnecessary. The older generation may share their lessons from life, but these go unheeded until the experience hits home. Personally, as I've aged, I've found an increased wisdom, yet it's clear that others do not seek it. This is because youth perceives knowledge as less relatable and more constraining. The younger generation yearns for practical demonstrations and real-life experiences, which help solidify the learning process.

Life Offline: Embrace Personal Growth

The digital age often overshadows the value of the offline world where true personal growth occurs. It's essential to step away from the screens and engage in experiences that enrich your life. Look for opportunities to learn new skills, explore hobbies, and participate in activities that foster personal development. These offline experiences are irreplaceable and contribute significantly to your well-being.

Seeking Balance: Responsibility and Freedom

It's crucial to understand that life comes with a balance of freedom and responsibility. Viktor Frankl, a renowned psychiatrist, once said that with the Statue of Liberty, we should also have a Statue of Responsibility. This emphasizes the importance of contributing to society and investing in personal growth, rather than merely seeking freedom without commitment.

Many in the current generation have a skewed perspective on rights, believing that they are inherently owed. However, life demands effort and investment. You must build the world you want, not just demand it. Experiencing this firsthand and working hard to achieve your goals will lead to genuine happiness. Merely acquiring more rights, privileges, and things will not fulfill you without accompanying effort and personal growth.

Avoiding Misdirected Activism and Purposeful Living

Focused activism on social media is a common but often misdirected approach. Chanting slogans and holding picket signs will not bring about meaningful change. A true sense of purpose involves more than just outrage and acknowledgment of injustices. It requires active participation, dedication, and a clear direction in life.

Avoid the mindset that life is happening to you instead of for you. Early in life, it's easy to be confused about your purpose and what you want to achieve. Don't wait for the answer to fall in your lap; be bold, take risks, and pursue something with intentionality. Even if you feel that a particular activity won't lead to a job, take it on and learn from the experience. Narrowing down your options will help you identify what you truly desire.

Acting Now, Not Waiting for Perfect Conditions

Many people wait for perfect conditions before taking any action, believing that they need to be in a better place before moving forward. However, this attitude leads to stagnation and missed opportunities. Learning to act despite challenges is a crucial aspect of growing up. Those who learn to navigate their lives while treading water often achieve more than those waiting for ideal conditions. Moving forward, even in the face of imperfections, is one of the best ways to create a better life for yourself.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the older generation holds valuable wisdom, but the way they share it often needs to evolve. Instead of solely sharing wisdom, it's more effective to teach and show. Embrace personal growth, balance life with responsibility, pursue meaningful goals, and act in the present. By doing so, you will create a fulfilling and purposeful life.