"لماذا يجب أن أهتم بالأجيال القادمة؟ ماذا قدمت لي الأجيال القادمة؟"

The core idea behind this quote is a questioning of the value of caring about future generations or the distant future. It's a pretty cynical take, really. The person is asking why they should be concerned about people who haven't even been born yet—what has the future ever done for them to deserve their concern or effort?

Historically, this kind of sentiment might pop up in discussions about environmentalism, politics, or even personal legacy. You can imagine someone feeling frustrated or disillusioned, pushing back against the idea that they should sacrifice their present comfort for a future they won't directly benefit from. It's a way of saying, "Why should I make the effort when there's no immediate payoff for me?"

Let’s take a real-life example. Think of a manufacturing company deciding on whether to invest in greener technologies. The upfront costs are high and the benefits—like reduced pollution and a healthier planet—are long-term. The CEO might be tempted to think, "Why should I care about the environment for the next generation? What’s the next generation ever done for my quarterly profits?"

Now, how do we apply this wisdom—or challenge it, rather? The first step is to shift our perspective. Think about the idea of shared responsibility. Even if you don't see the immediate benefits, your actions today create the world of tomorrow. Imagine a community where everyone thought this way; it would be short-sighted, and we'd probably end up in a pretty bleak situation.

One piece of advice is to think about the small, positive changes you can make that have a long-term impact. You don't have to singlehandedly save the world, but you can start with small actions. Recycle, vote for policies that protect the environment, or mentor someone younger than you. It's the little things that add up over time.

Think about this: Imagine you're a farmer who decides to plant an orchard. The trees will take years to bear fruit. You might not be around to enjoy the apples, but your children and their children will have a thriving orchard because of your foresight. Your action today—planting those saplings—creates a legacy of abundance and sustenance. Isn’t that worth something?

I have a personal story that fits here. My grandfather started a small savings account for me when I was born. It wasn’t much, just little deposits here and there. By the time I went to college, that fund had grown enough to cover my first year’s tuition. He never got to see the full impact of those savings, but his small, consistent efforts made a huge difference in my life. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful rewards are the ones we’ll never see ourselves.

So, the next time you find yourself wondering why you should care about something that doesn’t immediately benefit you, think of my grandfather’s savings account or that imagined orchard. Your small actions today are seeds for a future you might never see, but they’ll grow into something beautiful for someone else. And isn’t that a legacy worth caring about?