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Generations Conflicts
Generational conflicts are an inevitable part of human history. Each new generation brings fresh ideas, values, and perspectives that often clash with established beliefs. These conflicts are not mere misunderstandings; they serve as a driving force for change and progress.
Despite technological advancements and globalization, generational differences remain significant. Older generations tend to hold on to traditions, while younger generations seek new opportunities and innovations. At times, it may seem as though different generations live in entirely different times and worlds.
Perceptions of Time
Youth and old age are not measured in years, days, or hours but in perceptions. A person’s sense of time is determined by two fundamental factors: freedom and security.
- Freedom to make choices according to personal values is the essence of youth. It allows individuals to explore new things, chase dreams, and learn from mistakes.
- Security, on the other hand, is associated with old age. The older we get, the more we seek stability and peace. We want to feel safe within ourselves and in our future.
Between Freedom and Security, there exists a hidden element: Impeccability. It provides security to the young—something they can rely on—and grants freedom to the old without losing their sense of safety. Impeccability is the key to building personal Independence, a trait desired by both young and old alike.
The Freedom of the Young vs. The Security of the Old
Young people are full of energy and ambition. They do not seek security or accept limitations; instead, they crave freedom—the freedom to choose, take risks, and face new challenges. For them, making independent decisions is not just a right but a necessity through which they affirm their identity and shape their future. Every choice they make offers an opportunity for growth, development, and expanding their understanding of the world.
Older generations often view the younger generation’s pursuit of freedom with concern, as they know it comes with responsibilities and consequences. They value security because they have experienced hardships and disappointments, making them appreciate the importance of having a solid foundation in life. For them, predictability is not a limitation but a source of peace and confidence in the future.
Maintaining Youthfulness
When faced with difficult situations and no choice, we are forced to adapt, learn, and grow. Sometimes, this is a matter of survival, but it is these challenges that keep us alive and engaged. People who continue to develop and seek new opportunities maintain their youth, while those who stick strictly to routine and security often lose their sense of vitality.
Children are a great example—they can play all day without getting tired because they are constantly learning, discovering, and experimenting. The same applies to adults—learning and facing challenges keep us energized and give life meaning.
The Transition from Youth to Old Age
When a young person, filled with dreams and ambitions, fails to realize them, fear of failure outweighs the desire for freedom. In an effort to avoid risks, they begin to seek security and control. The moment they choose security over freedom, youth gives way to old age. Failure convinces them that this is the inevitable fate of every young person, leading them to impose control over younger generations in an attempt to protect them from making the same mistakes.
Security does not depend on external circumstances or possessions but on our inner strength, skills, and ability to adapt. Even in an unstable external world, inner resilience provides a sense of security. This allows us to find comfort even in uncertain situations.
The transition from youth to old age involves two key phases:
- Loss of Innocence
- Loss of Naivety
Loss of Innocence
Innocence is lost when a person realizes two fundamental truths:
- Life is not eternal, and at some point, it will end.
- Our actions are closely connected to those of others, and our choices can have significant consequences.
This realization instills a sense of responsibility—we understand that we do not live in isolation but are part of a larger whole, where every decision has an impact.
This is when we begin to understand Power. Every action we take has the potential to create something good or destroy something valuable, as well as harm others. And it all depends on the choices we make.
Loss of Naivety
Naivety is lost when we realize that people do not act for us but for their own desires and needs. They make decisions driven by personal interests, even when it appears they are doing something for us.
For example, when someone gives us a gift, it is not always to please us—it often makes them feel better and more significant (especially if the gift is unnecessarily expensive). Similarly, when someone hurts us, it is not necessarily out of hatred but rather a desire to reinforce their image or exert control over a situation.
- If a colleague criticizes us, they may not intend to harm us but rather to appear more competent and important in front of others.
- If someone insults us, it is often not because of us but due to their own insecurities and a need to assert themselves.
In these cases, we are merely a means for them to satisfy their internal needs and desires.
Once we understand that others’ actions are not personally directed at us, we can stop taking things personally and free ourselves from unnecessary emotional reactions and drama.
When we realize that people do things for themselves, not for us, we begin to see that we cannot rely on others as much as we once thought. This is especially true in difficult and crisis moments when everyone acts according to their own needs and motivations.
This understanding changes how we view our relationships. We realize that our problems are unique and cannot be fully shared with others, even when they try to help. Every person has their own challenges, and even the help we receive often comes after we have already dealt with part of the problem ourselves. This realization makes us more self-reliant and frees us from the illusion that we will always have others’ support in critical moments.
Life in Constant Change
The key to a fulfilling life is a positive attitude and the willingness to meet challenges with a smile.
Author: Lyubomir Nedev
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