News
September 07, 2025
Passing on wisdom to young people: Avoid the 'back in my day' lecture
I'm writing this from my balcony, overlooking a large pond with a beautiful three-part fountain. I’ve become bougie. I grew up in a house with wheels. Look at me now.
## From Mobile Home to Balcony View: One Man's Advice on Mentoring Young People
The gentle splash of a three-tiered fountain. A sprawling pond reflecting the afternoon sun. For one man, writing from his balcony, this tranquil scene represents a world away from his humble beginnings. He's the first to admit it – he's become "bougie," a far cry from the house with wheels he grew up in. But this journey, this stark contrast between then and now, has given him a unique perspective on how to connect with and mentor younger generations.
His central piece of advice? Ditch the "back in my day" lecture.
He understands the temptation. The urge to compare struggles, to highlight the perceived ease of modern life. "I grew up with nothing, you have everything!" is a common refrain, often delivered with the best of intentions. But, he argues, this approach is ultimately counterproductive. It creates a barrier, fostering resentment and shutting down any potential for meaningful connection.
Instead, he advocates for empathy and active listening. Recognizing that each generation faces its own unique set of challenges, even if those challenges look different from those of the past. He emphasizes the importance of understanding their perspectives, their anxieties, and their aspirations.
"It's not about telling them how much harder we had it," he explains. "It's about sharing the lessons we learned along the way, in a way that's relevant to their lives." This means tailoring advice, avoiding generalizations, and focusing on actionable insights.
The key, he believes, is to frame personal experiences not as benchmarks of hardship, but as sources of resilience and adaptability. Sharing stories of overcoming obstacles can be incredibly powerful, but only if delivered with humility and understanding.
Ultimately, this man's message is one of connection and understanding. He acknowledges the vast changes in society and technology, but he also believes in the enduring value of mentorship. By avoiding the pitfalls of the "back in my day" lecture and embracing empathy, we can bridge the generational gap and pass on wisdom that truly resonates. From his balcony overlooking the fountain, he's proof that even the most unlikely journeys can lead to valuable insights, insights worth sharing with those who are just beginning their own.
The gentle splash of a three-tiered fountain. A sprawling pond reflecting the afternoon sun. For one man, writing from his balcony, this tranquil scene represents a world away from his humble beginnings. He's the first to admit it – he's become "bougie," a far cry from the house with wheels he grew up in. But this journey, this stark contrast between then and now, has given him a unique perspective on how to connect with and mentor younger generations.
His central piece of advice? Ditch the "back in my day" lecture.
He understands the temptation. The urge to compare struggles, to highlight the perceived ease of modern life. "I grew up with nothing, you have everything!" is a common refrain, often delivered with the best of intentions. But, he argues, this approach is ultimately counterproductive. It creates a barrier, fostering resentment and shutting down any potential for meaningful connection.
Instead, he advocates for empathy and active listening. Recognizing that each generation faces its own unique set of challenges, even if those challenges look different from those of the past. He emphasizes the importance of understanding their perspectives, their anxieties, and their aspirations.
"It's not about telling them how much harder we had it," he explains. "It's about sharing the lessons we learned along the way, in a way that's relevant to their lives." This means tailoring advice, avoiding generalizations, and focusing on actionable insights.
The key, he believes, is to frame personal experiences not as benchmarks of hardship, but as sources of resilience and adaptability. Sharing stories of overcoming obstacles can be incredibly powerful, but only if delivered with humility and understanding.
Ultimately, this man's message is one of connection and understanding. He acknowledges the vast changes in society and technology, but he also believes in the enduring value of mentorship. By avoiding the pitfalls of the "back in my day" lecture and embracing empathy, we can bridge the generational gap and pass on wisdom that truly resonates. From his balcony overlooking the fountain, he's proof that even the most unlikely journeys can lead to valuable insights, insights worth sharing with those who are just beginning their own.
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