In the last few weeks I talked with some college age students about their future and I was reminded of things I have told young people several times. I believe that this generation, just like every generation which has come before, has the ability and potential to change the world. Not just in small stepwise motions, but in big sweeping ways.
Then I asked myself why my generation didn't change the world like that? What happened with the children of the 70s? We certainly made changes, but I for one, expected more from us.
You probably won’t be surprised to read that I have spent some time thinking about this and I have a theory. Since we were born when we were, we watched the 60s happen, but we weren't participants, at least not in big ways. We were just enough younger to not be part of the marches, the sit-ins, and all that was the 60s. We watched it passively, and we listened to what others, mostly older people, had to say about things that were happening. Needless to say, most of what we heard was not positive. The fascinating thing though in looking back, is that group, for all of their negative comments, really did change the world. They changed the way people viewed basic concepts such as family, sex, and honesty. They pushed and asked questions and didn't accept standard answers as good enough. And my generation watched.
I think that this caused many of us to decide that the right thing to do was to work from within the system rather than outside the system to exact change. And we got really good at it. We learned how to climb the ladder within the organizations we belong to; we learned to help through volunteering at church, Scouts, or community. We did a lot of good. But, at the same time, I think we missed an opportunity to turn the world on its head and ask hard questions. If we had, where would we be now? Would we be free from foreign oil? Would we have cured many of the big diseases of the day? I don’t know.
Here is what I do know. Sometimes it is best to work inside the system, and sometimes it is best to go outside the system, and the trick is in knowing when to do which. I actually think that with more maturity, I have a better sense today for which approach works and when to apply them. So, as I continue to interact with younger people, I will continue to encourage them to change the world, and I will talk to them about how to make those changes happen. We will discuss ideas such as when it is best to network and talk to those whom you know and believe in you, and when it is best to climb on top of a bench in the middle of the public square and scream about something you are passionate about. Not doing that was a mistake on my part several times in my life, and I think it was a mistake my entire generation made. We worked so hard to get along and not rock the boat that we only accomplished a fraction of what was possible. I hope that does not happen to another generation. Changing gears just a little bit, I wanted to tell you that I appreciate those of you who take the time to read my blog. I hope it brings a smile to your face sometimes and on other occasions causes you to stop and think for a moment. It has been fun to write and I look forward to continuing.
In the shop, I am working on the build of a stationary router table. After my sander, this is a piece of equipment I have needed for a long time. I also finished reworking my father’s lathe and I am excited that it is still a part of my shop. If any of you are working on projects, take time to share them with us. I would love to know what you are doing.
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