So Much to learn from the Greatest Generation

Two great men that I knew well died last week, both were in their mid 80's and part of everything that was important about "The Greatest Generation". I also picked up for the 2nd time Tom Brokaw's book recently, which has really gotten me thinking about this generation in America. But before I go into everything to be emulated and admired, I need to say that this generation was far from perfect, and people much smarter than I am need to write a book about why this incredible generation of Americans were unable to pass on their faith and their culture to the coming generations. To be fair, much of this wasn't their fault, but my wife had an interesting perspective, she believed that because The Greatest Generation suffered so much and watched so much suffering during The Great depression, and World War II that they wanted to shield their children from all forms of suffering, and the easiest way to do that is to give material comfort. Sadly, the root cause of much of the rebellion in the following generations may be due to the effects on the soul of being a spoiled child. John Paul II stated, "If you want your kids to be happy, teach them austerity," The opposite could also be stated, "If you want your kids to be sad and rebellious, give them anything they want,". Spoiled kids have a sense of entitlement, and they rarely take responsibility seriously, making happiness at best very difficult.

That is why this current economic crises can really be an opportunity for our country spiritually. What has struck me about the Greatest Generation is their constant gratitude and their simplicity. Even their music was cheerful, if you listen to a 40's station on the radio, everything is bright and alive, this during a time that was incredibly difficult. Listen to the music of this decade, even at its best, it is way to dark, and narcissistic, this at a time that materially has been the easiest in human history. When it came to their families, how they viewed work, everything led back to gratitude. My wife and I love going on vacation to Florida, just to be around this generation, and even with the physical suffering of old age, you can see the gratitude in their eyes. They took responsibility seriously, knowing that with hard work and God's Grace anything is possible. The thing to learn is what the Greatest Generation knew so well. People and love make us happy, mere things do not.