The Arrogance of Youth

I don’t remember being arrogant when I was young, at least not purposefully, but I’m sure that somewhere around you’ll find one of my elders who will tell you that when I was a young person, there were things about which I was arrogant.

I think it is just part of being young and dumb. When you are young, you don’t realize you are dumb, even though your elders often spend quite a bit of time telling you so, sometimes to your face.

Neither do I think most young people are purposefully arrogant. I think that because being young also quite often means “inexperienced”, they just have not yet learned the lessons that those of us who have already driven that highway learned.  It’s just the way of life. It’s why tribal elders are, well, often elderly.

I was reminded of this when reading an article recently about how many older people now eat quite a few meals out in Restaurants. The economy has improved, there is more confidence around investments, often it isn’t any more expensive than preparing a good meal at home, and it is a great social experience.

Many of today’s millennials don’t eat at restaurants for a vast number of reasons. Maybe they have convinced themselves they can’t tolerate gluten. Maybe they think restaurant food just isn’t organic enough for them, or perhaps they just can’t afford it.

What annoyed me the most though, was not the rather brief article, but instead the hundreds of comments from young people that followed the article.

There was the comment from one guy who was upset that retired people apparently make more money now than their children and grandchildren, and that the world would be a better place when we’re all dead.

Or, how about someone named Foofa who posted “We’re broke, and it’s because those old fucks refuse to retire from the jobs that should rightfully be ours. Suck it, olds.”

I would respond to Mr. Foofa that he might want to worry about his wishes. I’ll be retiring in less than two years. My replacement will likely end up doing my job, plus what we currently hire consultants for now, and he will do it for 40% of what I get paid, with fewer benefits. Serves him right.

Unfortunately, as I’ve finally learned over the years, having a great deal of knowledge about something does not also mean one is wise. Wisdom, I think, comes only after making mistakes, going through trial and error, and I also think it is something that cannot be taught. By the time we acquire much of our wisdom, it is often too late to use some of it.

It’s hard to transfer our wisdom, especially to youth. The very nature of youth means that they don’t often listen to wisdom from their elders.

Sure, times are getting tough out there. That I’ve worked nearly 20 years at the same company is something that is now very unusual, and will become unheard of in the near future. Pensions are now heading towards extinction, and young people who can’t look forward and prepare for their old age will need to depend on their unappreciative young people for support.

I wish I could be around to observe.