One of the more thought provoking threads on PF. Appreciate everyone's input.
Lots of disagreement thats causing me to question the validity of my owns beliefs. Some random thoughts I'm struggling with:
What metrics should be used to define "better". Can one definition be agreed on? Can the "facts" used to compare even be agreed on?
We are all prisoners of our history. Emotions can subvert logic and facts
Nostalgia is a human behavior trait, but so is recency bias. Put a frog in a pot of boiling water and it will jump out. Put a frog in a pot of lukewarm water and gradually turn up the heat and it will boil to death. That metaphor seems particularly relevant.
Regarding old generation versus current. I kinda view that as a separate discussion. Who created and raised the new generation? My generation needs to look in the mirror on that one. ( Technically I'm a boomer but I self identify as part of the "No-where Generation") The more recent couple of generations fought a twenty fucking year war and I'm in awe of the burden they shouldered compared to what I was asked. Same goes for the greatest generation that preceded me, and those in my generation that volunteered or were drafted and served.
Is the leadership now better than the leadership in the fifties? sixties? The old book title "Confederacy of Dunces" comes to mind when describing todays so called leaders. By the way, what age and generation are they predominantly from? Is it true you get the leaders you deserve?
Optical illusions can fool the eye, cognitive illusions can fool the mind. Daniel Kahneman (I think)
See this is why I drink.....