As with my peers, I often think about legacy, namely what are we leaving behind for the next generation? Having just spent a weekend with family, all of this becomes that much more elevated and essential.

In some measure, the issues seem overwhelming, as one explores the “mess” we baby boomers and matures seem to be bestowing onto our kids and grandkids. From the growing imprint of climate change to the rising presence of authoritarian rule, there is a massive list of unresolved items and emerging challenges. The “effect” maybe devastating, potentially impacting lifestyle options and so much more.

We had come to believe that as with all prior generations our children would find themselves in an even better place, only to uncover that their socio-economic fate will likely reflect a decline. After all, we had been led to believe that there existed a built-in optimism in connection with the human story framed around continuous achievement.

Maybe what is more concerning for our geriatric generation is the leadership bankruptcy and moral abyss that we are collectively experiencing. In some measure, at least for my peers, the penetrating questions, how did we get to this point? And can we still make a difference?

As a younger person I became extremely interested in the unspoken words and quiet actions of my parents, who did not transmit all that would ultimately define their stories. These hidden histories have been profoundly revealing and affirming. Over time their courage, commitments and competencies have come alive as I unpack their complex lives and refocus my understandings of their many contributions.

As we re-examine our own lives, especially the choices and actions we have collectively and personally made, what might we have done differently, and how might we advise younger folks when they set about defining their lives and in making critical decisions?

In the years that we, as a generation, will still enjoy, is it possible to influence certain outcomes and behaviors? Possibly we can construct an ethical will that will provide some guidance or inspiration for those who will follow us. Among the themes and messages, we may wish to offer, are these:

Promoting the importance of critical thinking and the centrality of education

Reasserting the value and importance of truth.

Creating and abiding by an ethical code of conduct and personal practice

Believing in the value and potential of each individual and the importance of community

Reimagining the place of and value added of religious ideas and cultural practices

Advancing civics education, public engagement, and global connections

Rethinking individual lifestyle choices and affirming the impact of collective decisions concerning the environment, medical policies and practices and psychological care, and business and technology decisions

Acknowledging authentic heroes and leaders, those who have made significant contributions in such arenas as health and medicine, science and technology, social and religious service, and education and culture

Supporting initiatives that are designed to improve our environment, the health and vitality of this planet

Reaffirming the importance and value of government and hold our political and civic elites and political figures to a standard of excellence, transparency, and accountability.

In the end, we need to ask ourselves, do these words of instruction and aspiration really matter! Who is listening, and why should those who are inheriting our generational meltdown really care to hear from us?

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)