Ever since Tom Brokaw published his book The Greatest Generation, a lot of attention has been paid to that older subset of Americans, and rightfully so. These were the men and women who were children during the Great Depression and young adults during World War II. They overcame a great deal of hardship early in life and as a generation they are certainly great. But the greatest? Do we really need to be throwing superlatives around recklessly? Wouldn’t it be more prudent to say that they’re the greatest generation so far?
What if my generation cures cancer? AIDS? Aging? Sadness?
What if we eliminate world hunger? Abolish suffering from the world? Become the first generation ever to successfully bring peace to the whole world?
What if we undo all of the environmental damage that other generations (ahem) have left for us?
What if God comes down from the heavens (accompanied by an angelic choir and a fantastic light display) and announces that everyone born between 1975 and 1985 is being summoned directly to heaven where they shall rule with Him as equals?
“The Greatest Generation” is certainly a great generation. I won’t deny that. But don’t write off the younger generations before we even have a chance to accomplish what we’re capable of. Let’s remember with respect and gratitude the accomplishments of the generations that preceded us while supporting and encouraging the generations that are yet to come.
Wow. Well, all this writing has taken a lot out of me; I’ll just take a seat here on the couch. Then I can get started on working towards greatness just as soon as this “Sorority Life” marathon is over. Oh wait, “Blind Date” is on after that. Hmmm. Well, there’s always tomorrow.