Dear Millennials:
As a well-traveled twenty-nine-year-old born in the United States of America, I have discovered much in this adventure called Life. And I’ve been thinking lately about this one thing: Our generation has given birth to the New American Dream.
It’s out with the old and in with the new, as they say—but not without a deeply rooted respect for all who came before and gifted us this opportunity that is continuously changing the world. And only for the better if we choose to take it seriously.
Before continuing, it’s worth mentioning that those of us living in the US are so very fortunate. In the game of life, we have been dealt the best hand, and though there are certainly those who may think this letter as reading elitist, the fact remains that because we have been given this unparalleled chance at success, we must use it to better those around us–both in our country and out. It’s a responsibility and an obligation. If we refuse to use this opportunity, we’re wasting the occasion to build this world into what we all seek: One of peace and prosperity.
—
Let us sail back in time for a moment.
Think 1950s. Think 1960s. Think Grandfather. Think Grandmother. Think what they did for us. Think of their dream. Their American Dream.
Our Grandparents—born in the 1930s and 1940s—sacrificed everything for the evolving human person. And whether it was intended or not, their commitment to educating future generations on how best to SURVIVE in a time of drastic technological and scientific advancements will go down in the history lessons for the next 200 years as being catalysts for where we are currently heading—from a life of getting our hands dirty, providing food on the table to one where that next meal has not only become the norm, but an afterthought for so many.
—
Now think 1980s. Think 1990s. Think Father. Think Mother. Think what they did for us. Think of their dream. Their American Dream.
Our Parents—born in the 1950s and 1960s—sacrificed everything for the advancing human person. They worked hard (and continue to do so), but not in the same sense as the previous generation. As proof, reflect on what life was like for those young ones growing up in the 1980s and 1990s. The materialism. The five-bedroom homes in the suburbs. The (sometimes) subconscious attitude of “I need to have more than the next guy.”
These facets of life are direct results of those adults leaving behind the notion of work as a means for providing the next meal. Our parents have their parents to thank for this. Sure, life wasn’t easy for every boy and girl maturing in the last thirty years, but when you think about how the media portrayed that American Dream, you would be hard-pressed to refute the argument for that era of excess.
—
Lastly, think 2000s. Think 2010s. Think Millennials. Think of what they can do for future generations. Think of their dream. The New American Dream.
This generation—born in the 1980s and 1990s—has college degrees. Their salaries and benefits are far greater than before and much easier to attain. To be honest (and speaking from experience), it doesn’t take that much hard work to make a modest income nowadays. The proof exists in how this age group focuses their attention. Today, quality of life is geared more toward the social aspect than anything else. Visit any major American city and you will find bars/restaurants packed every night of the week. This generation does not have the same obligations as the prior two. The reason for this truth is simple: We have gained such a large amount of wealth that we can actually spend it on what’s enjoyable to us. And that comes in the form of this current culture of foodies, traveling, and networking.
So with this evolution of the American Dream over the last eighty-five years, we now have one amazing opportunity. In the dust we can leave the dream of survival and the dream of excess our grandparents and parents sought. This current generation of twenty-somethings to thirty-somethings must not use the hard work and energy put forth by our bloodlines in vain. We must use it to advance as human people, no longer focused solely on our personal gratification and success.
No more must we gear our attention only to the survival of biological families. No more must we center on having wealth greater than our neighbor. No more must we believe that we alone are the most important humans on this planet.
It’s time for a societal change that will set the stage for all future peoples. On each street corner. In every city. Throughout the entire world. I urge you, millennials, to begin focusing your attention on how best to make this Pale Blue Dot a better place in which to live.
It remains true, however, that this outlook will not be easy to assume on a regular basis. But it is not impossible. We have the free time. We possess the higher intelligence. We own the forward thinking. The key is in establishing habits ultimately leading to the greater good for every single human. It begins with honest introspection as to how you currently lead your life, and sometimes this is a rather difficult concept to process. After all, very few enjoy delving deeply into who they are at the core, at spirit. But if you can find peace in the equation of you, the task of granting fulfillment in the calculation of all others is no longer a pipe dream—it’s a real possibility.
How this New American Dream will play out is up to you, millennials. We each have our own role to play. Some in mathematics. Some in technology. Some in motivation. But I’ll say it again: We have been given this chance—this opportunity—to evolve into the most advanced human people yet. And it is all thanks to those who came before us. Don't forget it. Don’t abuse it.
Instead of following in our grandparent's and parent’s footsteps, we have the option of forging our own path in life. It’s time to acknowledge this open window for advancement and jump through it.
So my challenge is this: If you’re residing in this wonderful country of ours, pound for pound the most advanced nation on this earth, better yourself as a means to better everyone else. It is our obligation if we truly wish to become the generation that gave birth to ultimate peace.
It’s in this moment where we rise to the occasion. It’s in this instant where we transition opportunity to reality. It’s in this time where we choose to follow our own dream. The New American Dream.
For me.
For you.
For all.
Sincerely Yours in Dreaming,
Joel R. Hubert
