The simplest definition of generational amnesia is learning from the past so we don’t make the same mistakes over and over again.

Ever since I had that old crotchety farmer/teacher for high school history, I have had an unexplainable urge to continuously learn about U.S. history. I have traveled to all 50 States and visited over 350 historic places (yes, I have a spreadsheet of that list) with history in mind. Yes, I have encountered many times when post-baby boomers are making the same mistakes that we baby boomers and before made.

I don’t understand this stubbornness that so many have of repeating stupid things, instead of learning not to go there. But, again I suspect that I didn’t listen as much as I should have at their age either. They say that each generation attempts to pass down knowledge to the next, but my father, who was my sole parent just never talked very much about anything, so I had to learn my lessons elsewhere.

Generational Amnesia applies to such things as:

• complacency about vaccines
• urgency to address ecological issues
• the dangers of putting people into leadership roles who are totally unqualified
• constantly fearing fear itself

I think the last one is on the top of the heap now, and probably has been for quite some time. People fear the changes they see around their world might upturn the apple cart, so to speak. Sadly, that fear is one characteristic that is passed down from one generation.

One thing that might help generations learn things from the past is the current advancement of AI (artificial intelligence). Those two letters, like so many other things, strike fear in far too many. Yes, there are possible cons that could be very harmful if they are not addressed properly. But, I think the pros will prove to be worth the risk.

By using generative AI and other technologies to capture and transmit knowledge, we can help ensure that the lessons of the past are not lost, but instead inform and guide future generations.