"Cada generación se imagina ser más inteligente que la que la precedió y más sabia que la que viene después."

Humans have this funny way of thinking they’re the smartest and wisest around. You know, each generation tends to believe they’ve got it all figured out, more so than those who came before and after them. But, let's break it down.

At its core, the quote is saying that people often think they’re smarter than their parents and more sensible than their kids. It’s like an ongoing cycle of underestimating the past and future. This mindset is pretty common and it’s something we’ve all probably felt at some point.

Historically, this idea has been around forever. Think about the Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and now Gen Z. Each group tends to think they’ve got the upper hand in terms of intelligence and wisdom. Boomers might roll their eyes at Millennials’ tech obsession, while Millennials might think Gen Z is too detached from the real world. And so it goes, round and round.

Let's dive into a real-life example to see this in action. Picture this: A seasoned manager in his 50s, let’s call him Mike, has been leading teams for decades. He’s seen it all, from the rise of computers to the evolution of the internet. Now, a young tech-savvy employee, Sarah, joins the team. She’s bursting with ideas about using social media to boost the company’s profile, something Mike never really had to think about.

Mike’s initial thought might be, "Social media? That’s just for kids. What does she know about running a business?" But Sarah, being from a generation that grew up with technology, sees opportunities Mike can’t even imagine. There’s a bit of tension, with Mike feeling his old-school wisdom trumps Sarah’s new-age ideas and Sarah feeling like Mike’s way behind the times.

Here’s the kicker though: both perspectives are valuable. Mike’s experience and Sarah’s fresh approach can actually complement each other perfectly, leading to innovative ways of doing business. The lesson? Don’t be quick to dismiss the old or the new.

So, how can we apply this wisdom? Start by recognizing that every generation has its strengths. Instead of seeing differences as obstacles, view them as opportunities to learn. If you’re older, mentor the younger folks but stay open to their insights. And if you’re younger? Respect the experience of your elders and find ways to integrate new ideas with tried-and-true practices.

Imagine you’re at a family dinner. Your grandpa starts talking about how things were in his day—no smartphones, no internet, just good old hard work and face-to-face conversations. Your teenage cousin, eyes glued to her phone, barely registers his words. The gap seems huge, right?

Now, imagine you step in. You start asking grandpa about his experiences and how he tackled problems. You listen. Then, you turn to your cousin and ask her about the latest app she’s obsessed with and how it’s changing the way she interacts with friends. Suddenly, a bridge forms. Grandpa’s wisdom meets your cousin’s digital savvy, and both start seeing value in each other’s perspectives.

That’s the magic. By valuing both the past and the future, we can weave a richer, more inclusive present. So, next time you catch yourself thinking your generation’s got it all figured out, pause. Remember, there’s always something to learn from those who came before and those who will come after. It’s about embracing the best of all worlds.