Audio version available:
Most of us ask “why can’t my (mom or dad) just understand me?” or a similar question at some point in our lives. Trying to explain things to people older or maybe even younger than you can be difficult. Why? Because of a concept called Generational Myopia.
Every generation wants to differentiate it from the generation that came before them, so they create new values, new ways of thinking, and new lifestyles. As time goes on, the values and way of doing things are internalized by the members of the generation and it becomes a part of them.
That is why it can be hard to tell your father or mother that you want to start a business and become your own boss. Since they are used to 9-5s and the old way of doing things they won’t really understand. And this whole concept is called Generational Myopia. It causes communication issues and often creates arguments.
Fortunately, understanding this concept can help us empathize with people younger and older than us. Which can improve relationships and make everyone happier. Who doesn’t like to be understood?
The easiest way to overcome generational myopia is to simply understand it and the role it plays. For instance, when you are talking with your parents and disagree about careers, try to understand where the other side is coming from and remember that they have different values and ways of doing things.
99 percent of our people problems can be solved if we just have a bit more empathy and listen more…
This lesson is from: The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene