Imjustme, I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I don't know how many times I've said. Its a different world we live in lately. Sometimes I feel gloom and doom. The world is getting more and more polluted, guns are more important than human lives, countries of the world seem on the edge of fighting, over, I don't know what. Electronics advance faster that one seems able to keep up with it. I sometimes think the world is a snowball rolling downhill towards hell. yes there still is some good here, but I gotta tell ya, somedays it seem to be taking a back seat to the bad.

I'm 60 and was just discussing this yesterday. We agreed that there is a season for everything and everyone - our 'season' was a few years back.

Our grandchildren know more (mine are 7 & 9) NOW than I know - heck, they are so technology-minded! They are in 1st and 3rd grade and are already studying the basics of pre-algebra. I am amazed, as I help them with their homework, how much I have to stop and think about before I have an answer.

Their 'season' is just starting and by the time their children are born, my grandchildren will feel just as we do today - wth- I didn't know that?!

mmm boy ,our world is a mess right now For me I can t see bringing children into this world the mess were in,but anyway,theres asteroids running near earth,a big one they say,Earth is shifting,our weater is chaotic,economy is bad,alot of shootings schools etc,drugs are rampid,Were ruining the planet,garbage , we need to all get busy and clean up quick like..We need to do something now.This worries me for the generations to come.I could go on but I wont.I have time to think of these things the 4hours I sit at dialysis.

A part of me feels somewhat pessimistic, that the "season" for my country is past & we are on the decline.

But still, I compare our current situation to how it must of felt when we were in the throes of the Civil War... we were literally killing each other. And then there were the World Wars that we survived & the cold war where we might have blown up the planet. The 60's with the war, the assassinations, the turmoil.

I think of what it might be like for my grandchildren & hope for the best for the sweet little beings. We can only live one day @ a time & make the best of it that we can.

My boss said that his Mom told him, "Elvis Presley
and his ilk will be the death of you!" And, when
the 60's were full-blown, he said she just knew
the end of the World was near.

Scarey out there -- but what wonderful things too.

Beeohio kind of says it all, I think.

I think that unless the people on this planet accept responsibility for our actions and work together to fix the troubles that plague and threaten our very existence here, then there will be no future to look forward to. Society as a whole is in an ever dizzying spiral downward where abominations are being encouraged and celebrated. There is only one safe haven for any of us while we remain in this world and many won't even glance toward the gift of Hope.

Carolyn

Good.
it's a different world today, there's a generation behind us that borrowed too much money, taken advantage by lenders who preyed on children brought up to buy and borrow, instead of spending. Negotiated wages that made the goods produced here too expensive to produce, downgrading of the quality of public education and a lack of looking to the future.

But, there are many who have been raised by "old fashioned" values of education, work ethic and financial responsibility. They will be OK.

There have certainly been some positive changes. I thought about that last night when my GD that goes to college at Pepperdine in Malibu, Ca. Skyped me!! It was amazing. It wasn't the first time she'd Skyped me, but it was still amazing. We were 2 hours different time wise and I was seeing her.

I also thought about it last week when one of my BFFs had her hip replaced w/ a new method that 1 doc in Tyler uses, and she swears she's had NO pain. Discomfort, and nausea, but no pain.

I volunteer at the hospital and I have seen some of the rudest people ever, but I've also seen such demonstrations of compassion and caring and love. Time goes on and there will always be people with different propensities with the contents of their heart.

So, the circumstances of life changes and we do the best we can and teach our children by example--be it love, or disrespect. I imagine our grandparents feared for our futures, too.

Ditto Beeohio!

I would never think of my grandchildren living in a world where someone is always trying to kill them. First of all, I don't think it's true. Secondly, I couldn't allow myself to think so negatively.

I'm in my sixties, too. We idealize the 1950s, the "happy days," and it sometimes seems like a safer time. But my mom died in 1952 from using a rug cleaner that was widely sold back then. Safety is relative.

I think people are basically good. Example, 30 crazies crashed the planes on 9/11 yet thousands rushed to help at the World Trade Center alone. (including my 2 nephews-they bought cases of bottled water and handed them out to the responders there). I truly believe God's Greatest gift to us was Free will. Most people are good and do good. I hope to see grandchidren one day. Then I could die at peace.

I am not a worrier and I don't allow myself to think negatively. I believe things cycle around and that when my grandchildren (if I have any) are in school they won't have to worry about classmates bringing guns to school. Certainly there will be more advances in medical care and they won't have to deal with some of the medical problems we currently deal with. Who knows, maybe a cure for cancer will have been discovered. I am in my late 60s.

I would give up any of the remarkable new "stuff" I have now, that I never dreamed of years ago, to go back to the life I had as a child. I don't like the direction society is headed, but my grandkids will never know any better. Technology, as wonderful as it is, has completely changed the way we interact as a society.

i feel great about the future compared to 2-3 yrs ago when we were in a financial collapse in this country. we planned well ahead, are well prepared for anything that comes our way and have made a very bright future for ourselves by changing w/ the times and re-educating ourselves into new careers. i am a very optimistic person and detest the doom & gloom BS that was very common over the last few yrs. fear propaganda is all some have. we have made our lives what they are. i see people who don't better themselves complaining all the time and believing the doom & gloom and w/o the work & effort all you have is what you deserve for your effort. the economy is not all that bad in my world and everyone i know... now if some made bad choices that's not my problem, it's theirs' the rest of us can't fix that.

when you look at how far we have come in this country and world it is amazing. all of the technology advances, health advances leading to an all time long life expectancy, we as a population are richer than ever before, certainly much more than previous generations. we have it pretty good i think and i can't wait to see what's in store for my future. BTW i am a genXer, 43, our generation is pretty much immune in this economy and is just starting to come up in power ~ liz

If one remembers only the good of an era, it's easy to feel nostalgic and sad. I have slipped into this from time to time, especially when I am worried about something. But there was so much that was not good about the 50's, especially if one did not have white skin! There will always be threat of war and there are always safety issues--real or perceived. Since we have "news" 24/7 it's natural to feel frightened about the future since the stories usually focus on the negative and sometimes exaggerate smaller events.

I grew up in the 90's and I look back at them with nostalgia, lol.

I think it's all relative. I don't think that there are proportionally more murders, or acts of evil, or bad people in the world than in other times in history. We just hear about it almost instantly. No corner of the world is immune from instant media coverage that eagerly conveys all the gorey details. I'd wager that 50 years ago you would only hear about the major world-wide news or the local news, and now we hear about everything in every part of the nation and world, and we discuss them on forums, and give our opinions and discuss and digest and proclaim that humans are evil.

People have killed each other in the name of love, hate, religion, land, money and possessions for as long as we've existed. Terrorism is nothing new, mass murders are nothing new, killing for God or Allah or any other deity is nothing new, economic collapse is certainly nothing new, catastrophic disasters aren't new. The only unique thing that the last 100 years has over previous centuries is industrialization, and all the pollution and negative effects that come with it. On the other hand, we also like to enjoy the benefits of technology and medical care.

So I'm looking forward to seeing what the future brings.

Additionally, some of our "hard times" are still absolute luxury compared to our ancestors daily lives. So again it's all relative.

I guess I'm an optimist, because I think our grandchildren are going to have a good world in which to live. Violent crime rates are down significantly from past decades. The 19th and 20th centuries were very deadly for the male population because of conflicts. We are healthier, live longer and live better than our ancestors.

As for the planet, as a Christian, I firmly believe that God will protect the planet that He created. He certainly is powerful enough to control us and our behavior. I don't believe in global warming, but rather that the earth goes through normal cycles. I also believe that the difficulties in the world today will eventually bring about renewed spirituality, which will improve morals and relationships with others.

The 24/7 news media is great in that we are a more informed people, and information is power. On the other hand, because we now hear about every school shooting, it can cause panic and pessimism.

Gun control has become a politically-motivated issue, based largely on emotion, rather than fact. Most people don't realize that the majority of deaths attributed to guns are from suicide, not homicide. People who are determined to end their lives can do so whether they have access to guns or not. Deaths by guns are probably at the lowest per-capita level they have ever been in the history of our Nation.

I'll get off my soapbox now...and go thank God for my having been born in this great Nation.

The 50's and 60's were not so good--Cold War, Korean War, Vietnam War, Cuban Missile Crisis, etc. It's true things seemed simpler and more wholesome then. But "now" does seem worse to me, and I do worry about my own grown kids and grandchild as well. I believe overpopulation and pollution are very serious problems, to say nothing of political problems. Seems like people just like to fight.

I agree 100% with chi83. It's all relative. There have always been wars, people killing each other, natural disasters, etc. I would much rather live now than in many other times of history (especially in this country...war on our own turf, slavery, women and minorities not being able to vote). Due to technology, we just know more about the world around us now, so it seems like bad things are happening more often.

There are good things happening now too. People now live to older ages with less discomfort due to medical technology. You can take antibiotics for things that might have killed a while back. We have pain killers. They can place new organs and body parts in you! You can keep in close contact with friends and family all over the world. We can see our own planet from space and understand more about the world around us.

I think it's been common practice throughout history for folks who have lived through many decades to say, "the world's going to h*ll in a handbasket" because of the changes they have seen in their lifetimes. People have always said that, people will always say that.

My only real fear for the future involves our Earth. I'm worried one day we won't be able to eat fish out of the polluted waters and we won't be able to breathe the air safely. I just don't want my great great grandchildren to lose the forests, trees, lakes, and nature to enjoy. I worry humans are becoming too disconnected from the natural world. That's my main concern.

I'm pretty sure every generation fears for the next one.

But I think they'll be fine. They'll have so many opportunities and discoveries. Amazing things will happen in their lifetimes.

I'm afraid I'm one of those "positive" people. :)

Would I want to go back? For some things yes, but because of the medical, travel, and food no. Many of us would not be around to be with our relatives and friends without the medical advances we have received. Now we can travel more and see more both here in the US and in other countries. We have learned to eat better, get rid of bad habits, and have better medical care.
Yes there are many improvements to come. It is up to us to let the companies and our elected officials what we want or need not someone else.
We still have our freedom and that is something I hope we never loose.

It's funny, imjustme...I was born in the 1950s. I remember the 60s as being the simple life and the 70s being the years of confusion, the 80s being a great decade and then changes from there.

How is it that your 1950s are my 1960s? And your 1960s are my 1970s? I think, regardless of when one was born, the first 10 years of one's life are fairly easy. Then there's the tougher years, then there's adulthood with....full blown adult responsibilities!!!

I've been reading alot of books on American history lately, particularly from 1880-1940. I read about corrupt politicians, dishonest religious leaders, and crime. I also read about phenomenal advancements, generosity between neighbors, and strong leaders.

History repeats itself, both good and bad. And, somehow, each generation manages to succeed. To me, cycles just keep happening and everyone adapts to what's around them.

Sometimes I think the future might not seem better than the past but I'm sure many generations have thought the same thing. I am quite certain the US has seen it's rise as a society and we are now beginning the decline. In general we're losing our work ethic - people want more for themselves but they want it to be easy rather than the reward for hard work. Likewise people no longer want to take responsibility and accountability for their own actions. They want the government to protect them from all harm - not surprising when we have a generation of people with parents whose philosophy has been to protect them from all adversity and hurt feelings. We're becoming a society of soft people who lack personal accountability. We will fall just like every other great society, surpassed by others who are more driven to make a better life for themselves. I find it very fascinating how our federal gov't borrows more and more money from China to fund our insatiable appetite for gov't intervention. Imagine if that source of funding suddenly dried up. Will be very interesting to see how it all unfolds during the remainder of my lifetime.

When I was a child my mother feared polio and tuberculosis, and the world feared Hitler, Mussolini and Tojo.

As a young mother I feared cancer. And the world feared Russia and a possible bombing from the Russian backed Castro regime in Cuba. We frightened our children when we talked of building a bomb shelter.

Today we still fear cancer, and have added HIV and heart attacks. Our world enemies are so numerous we cannot name all of them. Our children and grandchildren are as so used to hearing negative news that they do not seem to be worried at all. They just think of it as normal.

The question was how do I feel now about the future?
I think new problems will appear with each generation, and I have continued hope that mankind will find solutions.

I'm not really worried about the future for my kids or grandkids. I know that they will survive. As for my childhood being the "good ole days", that's definitely not true at all. If my grandkids had to live my life and what I remember of the time, now that's what I'd worry about.

With all the advances, I think they will be fine. There are problems that's for sure but they have the technology to fix most problems.

A standing ovation for sjerin and several others have great points too.

Few are nostalgic enough to crave going back to the days of the Donner-Reed party. These days aren't we all pretty spoiled? We complain that it rained on a day we wanted a picnic and think nothing of those who had to find a plot of land, clear it, till something to grow crops and raise livestock to eat, and build a shelter rather than think "I want a bigger house". We complain about mosquitoes but we go into our air conditioned/screened houses. What did they do 150 years ago? They were happy to live to be 60, now we grumble that we hurt and someone was late delivering our pizza. However one thing about 150 years ago... there was next to nothing in divorce!

Our children/grandchildren fearing someone is out to kill them and how "safe" we were before? That's pretty paranoid. And pretty blinded. Does nobody remember the cold war, the Nazis, the fighting for homesteading?

Although information is good, the problem is misinformation. Just as the internet can educate, the internet can also dumb people down. How many people have shipped their cars overseas waiting for a check, sent their life savings and even given up their passports to gain the gifts from the Nigerian General who'll make them rich? But things really haven't truly "changed" that much. People were stupid and gullible before and are now. They were greedy before and are now. And there's always people ready to take advantage of them. It's just a little easier to find your targets today I think.

Especially the last couple years things have certainly improved from the 8 years of devastation prior but we have a long way to go and a lot from which to recover. But our selfish side wants immediate gratification. That's sad.

Yes, kids generally know more about certain technologies but I'm pleased about that aspect but concerned when I see them lose basic and IMO necessary skills and common sense in the process. I'm saddened by that aspect.

I recently had the chance to communicate with a fellow from Russia. It was a real education. We tend to think that all corners of the globe are connected 24/7 these days. Hardly. Russia has not progressed like we have over the years. Telephones? Not commonplace in Russian homes. Computers in homes? Not common there. Internet cafes are the way to get on the internet, and for a short period of time. They don't all have 2 cars and an RV in the driveway. We forget about the lineups to get toilet paper but a similar situation exists for technology. We cry that our 5 year olds don't have an iPhone! There's time we have to say shame on us, isn't there? We ship seemingly endless money and goods to "3rd world" nations yet ignore others that aren't anywhere near what we have. And the biggest crime IMO is ignoring those in our own countries who need help. The elderly, injured and those who are working to earn a living without looking for handouts.

For all those with blinders on, there was crime in past generations. My sister's friend was abducted as a teen and she's never been found. This was in a "safe" neighborhood too. Jacob Wetterling has never been found. Kids have disappeared over the years and all through history. People have been murdered all through history.

There's the fear du-jour that impacts so many. Whether the fear was ending slavery or a rebellion to the Union; a drought or depression; rock & roll music being the end of mankind, guns, abortion, political parties or whatever, there's the fearmongering that is the biggest thing to fear IMHO.

We all have our pet peeves. Whether it's a disease, social issue or whatever, they'll continue. I just hope that some semblance of reason and rational thinking can be held by at least enough to keep things together.

And I guess I believe that life will go on. It won't be the same and that can be good and bad in certain ways, but it doesn't really matter, the reality is that it will go on one way or another.

I believe that the near future ( next 2 to 5 years) will be vey unsettled. The youth of today do not enjoy opportunities I saw ine the 1950s. Back then, anyone could better his/her fortune if you were willing to work, apply yourself and keep your nose clean. No so today. Today, the economy and the world is in turmoil and will remain so until it finds its diection and purpose. Changes will happen; Changes are happening. I hope it is for the better.

Examples of change:

1. A regime collasped over a weekend and the Berlin Wall came down. Who predicted that one year before?

2. As late as one week ago, who'd thought that "Baby" Doc would dare to enter Haiti, yet there he is. Now, what is that all about?

3. Pwople of Tunisa rebelled and caused their government to fall. Whats more, the have not fully accepted the interim replacement.

4. The government of Lebanon has become disfunctional after Hamas pulled out and refused to participate over a government probe into an assasination. This was done to shield memembrs of their party from the probe.

5. In many parts of the mid-east, religious intolerance and opression is on the rise.

6. Projections made in the 1970s said that the world would start running out of oil. Oil comsumption would peak in 2010 and go into a forced decline due to dwindling supply. THis will force one of the greatest change on the world society that it has ever seen. The peak date predicted in 1970 has been pushed back to 2020 due to better efficiencies and a bit more diecovered reserves, but the fact remains that the scenario has not changed, just the time table.

I think that big changes are coming to the world society, but what will it be and when will it happen is a fuzzy guess. What is assured is that it will not be like it was a few years ago.