3 Things Millennials Can Learn From The Greatest Generation | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

3 Things Millennials Can Learn From The Greatest Generation

For anyone who was told that they are a special snowflake...

107
3 Things Millennials Can Learn From The Greatest Generation
Imgur

is goes out to anyone who received a participation trophy for existing in little league baseball. This article is for all of my fellow millennials who were told “it’s not about if you win or lose, it’s about the way you play the game.”

For those of us who were brainwashed into thinking that everyone is a winner, you need to know the truth, and some of you have already experienced this in the real world. The cold hard fact is that you are not any of those things that all of your well-to-do teachers, authority figures and instructors said. Reality will chew you up and spit you out with that mindset and it doesn’t give a damn what anyone said would happen. As long as you have that mindset, that is. Let me explain…

Our generation is the butt of many jokes; some justified, others not so much. We have done and will do some amazing things in our lives, but we have some fundamental flaws in our upbringing that will keep us from our full capabilities.

Let me be clear, this is not entirely our fault. In fact, our parents and their generation were the ones who taught and raised us. For the grievances they have with the generation of their children, they should look no further than themselves as the cause.

That being said, we still buy into the detrimental propaganda prescribed to American youth across the nation. We’re old enough now to determine right from wrong and what are values and ethos that create successful people. My friends, it’s time to drop the ‘special snowflake’ routine and adopt the attitudes of the “Greatest Generation" principles of rugged individualism and hard work. The idea that nobody really cares about you, the demographic and social groups you fit under, or your background outside of family and close friends. Here’s what we can learn from the generation of our grandparents.

1. Patriotism and Devotion to Country

World War II: The country called, and its people answered. The cause was noble and millions of men enlisted in the armed forces to fight in Europe and the Pacific theaters of war. The understood entirely the risks and sacrifices that would be made, but they made them freely because they understood that they are but a small piece of what builds a nation and a legacy. They recognized that their feelings and personal endeavors were secondary to the needs of the many. On the contrast, millennials would never consider serving in the armed forces during a time of need against ISIS or other terrorist organizations that threaten American security.

2. You are what you earn

You prove your worth through hard work and the results you get from it. You don’t get ahead in life for trying hard and not winning. Life doesn’t give our “you tried your best” ribbons. Some of our grandparents went to university, but didn’t feel any pressure to. They weren’t afraid of trade work and manual labor the way that many of us are. They had to get good at something, because if they didn’t, they’d be out in the streets, the way too many were during the Great Depression. They knew how to live uncomfortably and reap the benefits from it later.

3. You are not entitled to anything in this world

Nobody owes you a thing. You don’t deserve to be treated this way or that, you don’t deserve free stuff from the government, you are not entitled to anything but the general respect of your fellow man, and the love of your God and family. “Muh feelings…”


While the Greatest Generation was not perfect by any means, it seems like they were miles ahead of us in many aspects. It’s not too late for us. We can correct each other day to day. Don’t play the victim, don’t demand anything from anyone, be a decent man or woman to everyone you meet. Build the very best future you can for yourself and your future family. Don’t be a dick.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

5357
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less
Jenna Pizzi and her mom smiling by a waterfront with a historic ship in the background.
Jenna Pizzi

There is always a time in the semester when you have about three papers, four tests, five assignments and two projects due within the same time period. Isn't that just the best?

It's almost as if the professors all plot against you just to make college even more stressful than it already is. No matter how many people try to make you feel better, no one ever compares to your mom. Moms always know exactly what to say.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Jobs Your Roommate Has

She's got your back with everything that college throws at you.

3465
Cristina Yang and Meredith Grey in scrubs sit against a wall, smiling and enjoying a break.

If you are anything like my roommate and I, you have a friendship with your roomie. You’re lucky to have gotten a roommate that is easy to get along with and more importantly cool to live with. Whether you found her on Facebook or went random, a roommate is a big part of life in college. This list goes through some of the jobs that a roommate has that help you get through college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

35 Things I Wish I Learned In My Freshman Year Of College

Just some relatable college student advice! Yes, you aren’t the only one!

2687
Towson University
YouTube

Freshman year can either be the greatest year, or the roughest year. It depends on your transition and how you adjust. For me, freshman year in college was one of the best years of my life. However, looking back, there are a few things that I wish I learned.

Now that I am a sophomore, I can finally do things a little differently. Here are a few things that I wish I learned my freshman year of college!

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments