Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.

Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it. – George Orwell

If we can cooperate, and show respect for each other, there is no limit to what we can do.

What does that mean?
To me, this is the eternal deceit of humankind. Starting in the teenage years, they are more intelligent and better equipped to make decisions than their parents and that generation. After all, they reason, who got us into these problems in the first place.

However, a few decades later, when they are the parents, they are amazed at the rashness and lack of thought in the generation of their children. Somehow, with the roles reversed, the now-parents are so much wiser than the next generation of children.

And so it goes, generation after generation. How many of us, as teens and on into our early 20’s, believed that we knew what had to be done, and what the proper choices were? And for those of us old enough to have teenage children, how many of us have fallen into the other half of that trap?

Why is respect important?  
Well, just look at the scenario discussed in the opening section, or from your life. Or perhaps the life of one of your friend’s, you did better than that, right? What so often is missing from the equation is respect.

So often the youth are absolutely certain that they have figured out what the old people can’t see. Either by technology, the latest learning, or just their energy and enthusiasm, the youth can’t understand the position of the older crowd. And they have trouble showing the older folks any respect.

On the other side, the older crowd has seen it all, and doesn’t understand why the younger crowd can’t see why things are the way they are. Whether it’s from personal experience or from general wisdom gained from paying attention for decades, they can’t understand the reckless enthusiasm of the youth. And they have trouble showing the youth any respect.

In my opinion, the proper mix is some youthful enthusiasm, guided by some mature wisdom. No one has all the answers. By collaborating, there is a much better chance of coming up with something that will work, and work well. But it won’t happen without mutual respect. Without respect, it would only become a shouting match, right?

Respect is kind of like air, water, or food; it’s only important if you aren’t getting any.

Where can I apply this in my life?
The old against the young is only one of the possible ways that people can pit themselves against each other. There is gender, race, ethnicity, or any of a thousand other ways we often find ourselves divided. Yet once we accept the division, it becomes very difficult to respect someone from “the other side.”

To me, the best chance for us to improving things for everyone is to ignore the divisions, and start showing some respect. Yes, it will take a little more time than if you just go out and did it yourself, but you just might hear a good idea every once in a while.

In addition to gleaning the occasional good idea, you are also demonstrating to the next generation, or the members of those “other” groups, that you can cooperate and show respect. That puts them in the position to consider their position on respect and cooperation.

What can each of us do, as individuals? Just what was described above. When you have the option (and we do, most of the time), show some respect and try to cooperate with others. Even if they’re from some “other group,” one which you disfavor.

You can probably find in nearly every culture at some point in time, a group of “others” which were not respected, not cooperated with, and occasionally were killed on sight. That’s not the way to advance humanity. As an individual, it is up to you to determine what you are going to do, and how you will chose to treat others.

We can either work against each other and wear the human race down, or we can work together to build it up. We have far more in common than we have differences, and if we can stop focusing on our differences and begin focusing on what our common goals and aspirations are, things could be a little better for all of us.

From: Twitter, @airlanggauvijan
confirmed at : http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/g/georgeorwe189106.html
Photo by bobboo_77

Happy Birthday to George Orwell, born 25 June, 1903.