Remember when life was as simple as a game of marbles? Those days when I, the politically astute conservative voice I am now, was once a kid with clarity that would make today's philosophers envious. Growing up in a world starkly different than the politically charged society that we navigate today, I gleaned some truths that today’s society could benefit from revisiting. Here's how my younger self trumps the supposed sagacity of contemporary culture.
Respect Your Elders: In my childhood, respecting your elders wasn’t just an option; it was a necessity. From the collective wisdom of grandparents to the disciplined guidance of our teachers, the older generation shaped our worldview. Today’s culture seems to be obsessed with youth and change, without recognizing the value of the experience and lessons of those who've lived a lifetime. It’s a mistake that’s costing society common sense and wisdom.
Freedom is More Than a Buzzword: Growing up, freedom meant the ability to think independently, not to follow the herd. It meant making choices, sometimes the hard ones, that aligned with your principles. Today, it’s tragically become just a word thrown around to justify a variety of questionable ideals under the guise of 'everyone deserves everything'.
Life Isn’t Fair: My younger self understood this simple truth far earlier than many people do today. The idea that life isn’t fair is an essential lesson. Instead of seeking fairness in an unfair world, we focused on hard work. Nowadays, policies and narratives tell everyone they’re entitled to the same outcomes regardless of the input. A fairytale dressed as a fallacy.
Patriotism is a Virtue: Back then, being proud of one’s country and standing for national symbols wasn’t something you did with your fingers crossed. Today, it’s often looked at with disdain. But the commitment and pride tied to a nation bring unity, a crucial element lost amidst hyper-critical scrutiny of every traditional value.
Honesty is Not Harshness: My childhood was a time when honesty was paramount, even if it stung. Now, everyone seems cautious, deeming reality offensive. Sugar-coating the truth doesn’t make it go away, it only makes it harder to swallow when reality eventually hits.
Family First: Growing up, the family was the bedrock of society. Today, less regard is given to family structures and roles, often promoting lifestyles that prioritize individual desires over collective family well-being. Younger me knew the safety net of family provided the foundation for everything.
Responsibility Over Rights: In my youth, one first thought about their responsibilities, not their rights. Today, the order is often reversed. A society overly focused on rights without corresponding responsibilities breeds entitlement, not empowerment.
Learn from Failure: We failed miserably at times playing sports or in class field trips. Instead of looking for someone to blame, we learned. Today, many shy away from failure and blame others for their shortcomings, missing out on tremendous growth opportunities.
Work, Then Play: The balance in life came naturally. We understood that rewards came after hard work had been done, not before. This has become distorted today, where instant gratification has dulled our resolve to earn pleasure rightfully.
Stay Grateful: If you didn’t appreciate what you had, you’d soon realize what it felt like to go without. Gratitude was as inherent as breathing. In today's culturally diluted atmosphere, gratitude often takes a backseat.
Looking back, my younger self had a pretty solid grasp on some principles that seem lost in today's chaotic debate on progress and rights. The simplicity of a child’s worldview sometimes holds surprisingly profound truths. Maybe a trip down memory lane is just what we need to right some wrongs in our society today.