The (Next) Generational Warfare We Need

Time goes on...always. So do people.

Along the way, they fight - a lot. But there is a special kind of warfare between generations - young and old.

And it is necessary...

Young people fight to gain their footing in the world, while the older generation fights to hold onto what they have built.

Nothing could be more natural.

The battlefield

The younger generation fights to get many things, such as status, independence, respect, and money. These are all essential for them to be able to establish themselves in society and start building their lives. On the other hand, the older generation fights to keep things such as wealth, power, status, and independence. These things have taken a lifetime to acquire, and they do not want to lose them.

However, the older generation also benefits greatly from innate the hunger and desire of the younger generation. They can offer jobs, invest in startups, and contribute to pension plans, which are often a choke-point in government funding. In this way, the older generation assists the younger, elevating them to achieve their goals and, at the same time, helping secure their own future.

Yes - it sounds selfish, but it is also true...

The generational topic also plays out on the (literal) battlefield, where the dynamics of war have changed dramatically over the years - for better or for worse.

In the past, young people were often sent off to fight in wars, with the understanding that they would come back heroes and with great prospects. But, in recent times, many young people have found themselves condemned to a life with far fewer prospects, far fewer opportunities and far less respect - which has in many cases had a dramatically negative effect on their desire to work hard and hustle.

Sitting pretty

The youth of today are often seen as cool and pretty, and with social media, they have been able to show off these qualities, putting them at the center of attention. Top brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Nike cater to their whims. Even "boring companies" like telecoms or banks now feel the need to "open up" and become more hip in an attempt to appeal to the younger generatoin.

Young people are more influential than ever before, and this has forced the older generation - including big-name CEOs and executives - to pay attention.

Of course, there is a certain element of greed and envy involved.

Over-reaching greed in the financial industry has destroyed much of the wealth that the older generation has accumulated. The Great Financial Crisis of 2008 was the apoptotic culmination of this trend.

This has forced them to work longer than they might have planned. The changes brought about by technology and a new way of thinking have made the younger mind more valuable. Experience is no longer enough to succeed in today’s world.

Instead, new ideas are essential, and they provide a real hope of wealth creation. Caution and conflict-aversion brings nothing.

Political considerations also play a significant role in the generational divide. People often start out as left-wing and then move towards the right-wing as they get older. This is because, as they age, they start to appreciate the value of the status quo and the importance of maintaining stability.

A party of rebels usually appeals to the young, who are looking for something new and exciting. Constant change and a new perspective can appeal to both young and old alike. What else could explain the counter-intuitive appeal of Bernie Sanders or the contrarian "sex appeal" of someone like Donald Trump?

Co-competition for the better

Despite these differences, both generations can work together to create a better future. The older generation has the experience and the resources that the younger generation needs to get ahead. However, the younger generation has the ideas and the enthusiasm to push things forward. Together, they can create a synergy that can drive change and create a better world for everyone.

The generational divide is an ever-present feature of society. And it won't change...with the advent of AI, blockchain or any other new and different technology.

The young fight to establish themselves and get ahead, while the older generation fights to maintain what they have built. However, there are times when both generations can work together to create a better future. By fighting - combining their experience, resources, ideas, and enthusiasm - they can create a synergy that drives change and brings about a better world for everyone.

Fighting for the future is not just about fighting for oneself but fighting for the betterment of society as a whole - no matter how old or young you are.