That Thing We Do

Every generation thinks that they have it "figured out" until the next generation comes along, claiming of course that it is they Who have it "figured out".  The quintessential arrogance of each generation gives one pause.  Will any generation get it "figured out"?

Human beings are flawed by design, doing their best within a given era in time.  The great pyramids built on the backs of slaves, The Crusades, and the Spanish inquisition, all seemingly grand ideas in their time, no doubt.  As science marched forward into the 20th century, the coveted Nobel prize winning lobotomy was hailed as a modern medical marvel, until of course it wasn't.  

History will be the judge, and a very unforgiving one at that.  So, until history actually has an opportunity to sift through the ages, each generation will go on castigating its predecessors by tearing them down, rather than simply appreciating the best, getting rid of the worst, and concentrating on building a better tomorrow. 

The angst that millennials feel toward the baby boomer generation is obvious, and has come to be summed up in the simple phrase, "Okay, Boomer".  One cannot help but to wonder what derogatory phrase will be chosen to hurl toward the millennials when their turn comes to be vilified.  Because it will, and they will be.  

It seems almost a rite of passage, each generation chastising those who've gone before.  As a matter of course, they'll probably do no better, possibly worse.  Only time will tell.  

Memo to millennials everywhere:  The world is now your oyster.  So have at it, good luck with that, and we'll see you on the other side.