57th Edition
I read a rather unsettling article recently in the Wall Street Journal about happiness – “U.S. No Longer Ranks Among World’s 20 Happiest Countries.” The author, Clare Ansberry, attributes this drop to a decline in happiness among younger adults. Why are young people so unhappy?
I think it is generally true that young people tend to look to the future, full of hopes and dreams of what they will accomplish. My Uncle Jim used to tell me to Go For Greatness! I loved that concept when I was young, and while I am, it pains me to say, no longer young, I still cling to that motto.
A friend I played a lot of basketball with once said, “The older we get, the better we used to be.” Sadly, there is truth in that statement as well. That truth causes older people to look back maybe a bit more than they look ahead. Each generation remembers the best of times from the past through their own personal lens. In my mind Johnny Unitas will always be the greatest NFL quarterback. Others will say the same about Tom Brady, and future generations may say the same about Patrick Mahomes. Same applies to Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, Steffi Graf and Serena Williams. It’s a big part of why sports are so interesting to discuss and such a big part of our culture. The only exception to this historical, which-era-or-individual-was-the-best debate is that music was categorically better in the 60s and 70s than it has been in any period since. Irrefutable. End of story.
But back to the original question, what makes young people so unhappy? As that generation looks ahead what could they be most worried about? Here is one possibility… The ever-growing federal debt and out of control government spending. A few statistics: The total federal debt is around $34 Trillion, with annual interest payments alone of close to $1 Trillion, or roughly 40% of all personal income taxes. The current year budget deficit may approach $2 Trillion. What does all this mean for our future? It means that inflation, which has already been a serious problem, is going to continue to put downward pressure on the standard of living of just about everyone. Inflation, even at 3 – 4%, down from recent highs of 8 – 9%, eats into the ability of households to make ends meet. Inflation is economic cancer, and over time higher prices become embedded in the economy and marketplace. Inflation is far and away the worst effect of profligate government spending, and over time will lead to a lower standard of living for future generations. Besides that, how was the play, Mrs. Lincoln?
What is the solution? What could possibly motivate Congress and the President (current and future) to suddenly decide that a balanced budget and a commitment to lowering the deficit over time is in the nation’s best interest? I have no idea. Will the country reach financial Armageddon forcing fiscal discipline? What financial disasters will have to happen before the government acts responsibly? Again, I have no idea. There are just too many variables involved, too many economic possibilities and endless political band-aids, appropriations, omnibus packages (whatever they are) and the like. The system is clearly broken, and future generations are going to pay the price. No one knows when this all blows up, but it isn’t going to end well. That just might be why the next generation isn’t happy.
What else could it be? One other idea. Social Media. It is the plague of the 21st century. It is addictive, phony, and dangerous to young brains. Unfortunately, it is here to stay. But adults should stop using it and we wise elders should encourage our children and grandchildren to spend their time doing other things, like reading, writing, and exercising. All three are far healthier and will produce much more lasting joy than stressing about the fact that you just saw on Facebook that some of your friends went to Cancun and didn’t invite you.
Some wise person once said to me, “You are who you hang around with.” Very true, but today, for the younger generation it should be adapted a bit… You are what you do with the people you hang around with. Set the phone down. Pick up a book or a pen and pad of paper. Develop deep thoughts and write them down. Or compose a poem to send to your grandmother. Make a plan to improve your diet and exercise regimen. And my apologies for the old people in Washington who are threatening your future and the future of our nation.
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Michael Kayes
*These views are my personal opinions and are not the viewpoints of any company or organization.