In your book you wrote, "The young will teach the old the new ways, and old will adapt or perish.", and you asked, "Are you still open to learning the ways of the young?" This is Awful!! NO!! Respect our elders, please!! They have the WISDOM! What do you mean?

The graveyards are full of antiquated thinking. The young people are the forward edge of life's reach for understanding. As it has been said, through the mouths of babes, and from the little children we can learn much, yet many repeat this as mere lip service, because that type of learning requires true humility. Life moves forward, not backwards. Once you are set in your ways and closed off, you are finished until you become open again. "Elders" often suggest young people should "respect" them, but what they really mean is submit to control. But control seldom achieves its aim. Life is like a breath, out with the old, and in with the new. The young people are the future, and I deeply believe in them, and whether you like it or not, they are your future caretakers. So-called "respect" is often a tool within the language of moralistic judgement of a domination culture, where its application serves to indenture people; it is a coercive form of violence. Young people. Don't "respect" your "elders," rather respect yourself. Real self-respect includes respect for others. We are all in this together and can of course learn from one-another. However, none are wise except those who can listen. Real respect is more concerned with your freedom than your obedience. Real respect makes no demands, hears all suggestions and is open to learning and change.

As Khalil Gibran once wrote, "Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, and though they are with you, yet they belong not to you. You may give them your love but not your thoughts. For they have their own thoughts. You may house their bodies but not their souls, for their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams. You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you. For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday."

Read More in Bryant's Book or Collection:

• PERSONAL GROWTH
• SOCIAL ISSUES