Can we be cured?

We are advancing at an alarming rate. Industry, technology, science etc. is constantly improving and strengthening every day. Where does it stop? Or can it even stop? Have you ever stopped to think about what things will be like in just 100 years? All of this rapid development is not only negatively affecting our environment but possibly even worse, our minds. In An Invitation to Environmental Sociology, Michael Mayerfeld Bell quotes the Egyptian sage Ptahhotep saying, "Beware of an act of avarice; it is a bad and incurable disease" (Bell 176). Can our disease be cured at this point or are we already too far gone?

Our (80s-90s babies) generation is called "Generation Me." We are commonly described as narcissistic, lazy, disengaged, distrustful, coddled, entitled, delusional, and even miserable. However, society is catering to our every need. The endless amount of production and advancements are pouring in to our mouths without us hardly having to lift a finger. We feel entitled to the newest iPhone, the hottest outfit, and the best education with the most opportunities.

Studies are showing that this generation is "less environmentally conscious, community-oriented and politically engaged than previous generations were at the same age." Studies also show that the Millennials (another name for the Generation Me's) "...consider money, image and fame more important than values like self-acceptance and being part of a community," and that they are "...less interested in donating to charities, participating in politics or helping the environment." Will future generations be able to reverse these trends while being raised by Millennials? 


If the mindset of this generation continues to grow worse than it already is, I fear what the world will look like in the future to come. We cannot continue this cycle of extreme need and greed for wealth and material gain. The characteristics that our "Generation Me" has are toxic and will only grow to affect others and the environment more than they already have. 


"Millennial Generation Money-Obsessed And Less Concerned With Giving Back, Study Finds." Huffinton Post. N.p., 16 Mar. 2012. Web. 15 Mar. 2015. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/feeds/verticals/business/index.xml>.

Bell, Michael. An Invitation to Environmental Sociology. Thousand Oaks: Pine Forge, 1998. Print.