The Greediest Generation
by Robert Russo
Technology is regaled, and yet it does not give us better judgment, self-sufficiency or wisdom. Instead of having fewer models, less maintenance and less waste we have more than ever. Rather than simplifying our lives they are more complicated, greater information leaving us with more questions, empowerment increasing our dependency. Science fiction of the 1950's and 60's describes technology uniting mankind, supercomputers maintaining themselves, extra-terrestrials warning us to end wars, home life a carefree simplicity. This purpose does not exist. Technology is an extension of individual human ambitions over other men, seeking to divide us, enslave us and ultimately destroy us. Medical technology is a prime example. The definition of health used to be the betterment of our lives within the natural cycle, not the prolonging of life beyond its usefulness.
Much as we are born helpless and without rights, targets of untold political motives until we come of age, imagine if citizenship had an "expiration date" reducing us to nonentities again, an expected financial burden on every family. What institution would not try to exploit us? Incentives to live longer are a dime a dozen: more time to start over, build one's investments further, participate in events that would normally fall to the next generation. These two endzones of life expand until actual living is minimized to about 10 years or so (say the decade in which a President is not considered "too old" or "too young").
At the last National Jamboree I saw two old ladies crossing the street, and instead of a scout helping them, they were helping each other and wore security hats and jackets. Men the age of David Letterman and James Taylor are starting a second family. 60 is the new 50 and 30 the new 20. In whatever social events you participate (company socials, charity fundraisers etc.), have you noticed that instead of the ranks being passed down to younger people the grey hairs just seem to multiply? Many of the health care workers in nursing homes are the same age as their senile patients. Even in physical responsibilities such as lifeguarding, whitewater rafting on the James and emergency response teams that were once exclusively young men, the most certified swimmer is likely to be a woman in her fifties.
The Baby Boomers are the first generation extended by science, into the life, times and jobs that rightfully belong to generations X and Y. This reduces them to a child generation denied their inheritance, unable to influence events or make life investments while in their prime. Meanwhile our culture is advancing to where mid-20th Century views no longer apply, and in lesser countries where the wheel is still turning, one empowered generation here will equal two of theirs (if we were not godlike already). Postponing opportunities to later in life won't make young people aspire to be old no matter how much you glamorize it; they still can't relate so those goals will simply be lost.
In all traditional cultures the elders are a small group within the community that gives needed advice from experience. This reverence loses its meaning when it is monopolized into the majority of the community. Also there is such thing as having too much knowledge, as sci-fi tells us of humans and machines trying to increase their intellect and becoming the antichrist. Imagine if people from the Civil War era were still around today with their antebellum political motives.
Whenever this subject is raised older people take offense as if they've been targeted personally, so here are some considerations. Everyone eventually becomes dependent on people younger than themselves, so it is in their own best interests to foresee this and manage their future. It would be hard for a society to function if 80% of citizens were over 50. The more elite a group is the better they are treated. This is not a call to try to change factors out of our control, but a lifestyle of eating what you want, living for the moment, setting goals for the natural prime of life, is almost a guarantee of never being senile. Being aware of your place in the world instead of hogging capital as if you can take it with you is a safeguard against being swindled and your desires used against you. How you are treated in old age should be earned by the way you've lived.
Baby Boomers were one of the most rebellious generations and would not be where they are today if the generation before them hadn't relinquished the keys. Most people don't knowingly take a second helping if it means someone else won't get their first. Life belongs to the living, people of any age who respect it and allow all life to have its day in the sun.
If you have opinions to add to this thread send them to russo@richmondliberty.org. We welcome your input!