We have for the first time in the U.S. four generations in the workforce and at least 3 in the hobby (could be 4 but I don't want to meet her). There are many among us like this young man and hopefully they will build a world that is free from war and disease. I am sure that is wishful thinking, but I'd rather see it than not see it. The course we are on as a planet is in deep doo doo and there's not much else we can depend other than clear thinking. I wish you were a true Oracle and could predict his future or give him the greatest gift in the world and that might be foresight, but sharing your wisdom that day was more than anyone can expect and I suspect he is better for it too.



-- Modified on 9/2/2006 11:20:09 AM

the more senior generation.

Your story reminds me of a recent pleasant experience.

I was dining in a family style restaurant during lunch.  It was crowded and I had a good sized table by myself.

A gentleman, I'd say in his mid 70's, well dressed and distiguished looking was carrying his tray and looking awkwardly around for a place to sit.  I offered him a seat at my table and it turned out to be a most pleasant experience.

For my good manners I was entertained by some heart warming and humorous stories about my home town that I had never heard.

It turns out this man knew my father and several of his acquaintainces well and he had me in awe for the better part of an hour.

There are no strangers, just friends you haven't met.  I now frequent this restaurant hoping that our paths will meet again, so far to no avail

Amazing what opportunities a meal will provide regardless of the generation.

Thank you for sharing and reminding me of this experience.

Thank you, at least somebody has confidence in us.

If you look around, you will see young people giving their subway seats to the elderly and volunteering to clean up their neighborhoods and all kinds of inspirational stuff that builds leadership and makes the world a better place.  our very own Siobhan served a year with AmeriCorps and I know Ciara has served in the military.

I've found it's usually the senior citizen generation that notices and appreciates it.  Of course they are a spectacular generation that has a lot to teach us and basically built the wonderful world we enjoy today.  And the middle-aged generation too.

Cheers from a generation Xer,
Tiger

I read a story like yours or meet someone like John.  Sometimes it's a Jane and sometimes younger or older.  And it gives me hope that we have a chance at surviving.  Thank you for your post.

with those who can be polite to old people and kill total strangers without conscience. I feel better already.

On the other hand. . .

I have not met John so you might well be correct in your judgment.

Or he might be someone so determined in achieving his ends that they would justify any means. Behind his communication skills and poise might hide a future scoundrel, or a serial killer. Who knows?




-- Modified on 9/2/2006 8:48:18 PM

When you all were his age, weren't your heads screwed on straight? They're just like we were.

and in college, the only advisor that I had who actually knew anything of providing "Worldly Advice" on careers was a Major in the Air Force.  He was a quiet gentleman who had requested ROTC duty to be near his aging mother...  and the duty was granted.  

This wise man advised me with respect to a career in the military, but because of his advice I actually went into grad school...  and through his counseling I was able to complete grad school while being in the military....

Mostly Military Training is about relying first on yourself to "get the deed done" and then to worry about your team....   building self confidence and team confidence... is clearly something that does provide benefits in society.  Yea, it helps.... and for all those who knock the military, who are the first to criticize them.... I would offer, that the live you live is because they defended and still defend it.... too bad that our elected officials are such that they are....  they misuse our troups... and hardly ever understand the wars they engage in... or at least that is the way it seems to be since Korea....